LISTEN ENGLISH

1971
Facing the Truth
Voice 1

Hello. I'm Mike Procter.

Voice 2

And I'm Marina Santee. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

Imagine someone you love is the victim of a murder - a close family member for example. For years you think bad things about the murderer. You cannot forgive him. Then, one day, you are invited to meet this killer. You have to face him. You have to talk to him.
Voice 2

Well, this happened - in Ireland in March 2006. The history of Ireland is complex. Ireland has two parts - Northern Ireland and southern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Southern Ireland is an independent country - a republic. Many people who live in Northern Ireland would like the North to join with the South. They are Republicans. But the majority of people in the North would like it to remain part of the United Kingdom, they are Loyalists. There is a history of tense relations between people holding these two opinions.
Voice 1

In the early 1960s, the tension grew worse. For most people there was just bad feeling. But some people on both sides formed violent extremist groups. The Republican and Loyalist groups used violence against each other. The British government sent in soldiers to help keep the peace. But the soldiers represented British authority, so they too became targets. Republican groups especially saw the soldiers as enemies. The Provisional IRA was one such group. It sent terrorists into Great Britain to plant bombs. Many people were killed or injured by bombs in different cities in Great Britain.
Voice 2

After many years of talks, political leaders in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland signed a peace treaty. This happened on Good Friday, 1998. Then the Republican and the Loyalist groups decided to stop fighting. This process took many years. And there are still many problems that need solving.
Voice 1

One problem is that people who have been hurt in the conflict find it very difficult to forget, or to forgive. In March 2006. Bishop Desmond Tutu helped to organise some meetings. Some of the victims of violence were to meet the men who had killed people and planted bombs. Bishop Tutu had experience of this sort of meeting in his own country, South Africa. Bishop Tutu said: I think we must learn that very few people like to keep on hating each other. We need to let it go. I hope that people will discover how good it is to have someone to listen to them. God created us to be together. Not one of us can be completely alone. People do want to speak. They want to say things that they have not been able to say before. Then they feel better. The people I met all said they were happy that they had come.
Voice 2

People all over the United Kingdom watched the meetings on television. Here is one story. In 1988 the IRA were planning an attack on British soldiers. But the plans went wrong and three IRA members were killed. Many people attended their funeral. Suddenly, a man attacked these people with a gun and bombs. He killed three people and injured more than fifty. This man was Michael Stone. He was a Loyalist. A year later Stones group killed a man named Dermot Hackett. Stone later said that there was evidence linking Hackett to the IRA. That is why Stones group had killed him. But Hacketts family strongly deny all such links.
Voice 1

Dermot Hacketts wife is called Sylvia. In March 2006, Sylvia agreed to meet Michael Stone. Dermotss brother went with her. Bishop Desmond Tutu was there. So also was Lesley Bilinda. Lesleys husband died in the terrible killing in Rwanda in 1994. Lesley had tried to find the people who killed her husband - to learn the truth about his death. So she knew how Dermot Hacketts wife and brother felt.
Voice 2

Bishop Tutu and Lesley Bilinda asked questions. In this way they helped Sylvia and her brother and Michael Stone to listen to each other and understand each other. Silvia said that her husband had not had any links at all with the IRA. She told Stone that he had ruined her life and killed her husband. She said that he could have killed their child, too, since she had been pregnant at the time.
Voice 1

Michael Stone said that he had been afraid of seeing anger in Sylvias eyes. He had not done the murder himself. But he said he was responsible because the man who had done it was a member of Stones Loyalist group. Stone had come to believe that Mr Hackett was a member of the IRA. Stone said that he did not like to kill people. He said he could only do it if he thought of his victims as if they were not humans.
Voice 2

Later Sylvia got up and took Michael Stones hand. It was a sign that she had forgiven Stone that she did not wish him any harm. She later said that she felt she should show Stone that she is a Christian. But the handshake was difficult for her. Afterwards, she ran from the room! The Guardian newspaper later said (Forgiveness) is a painful, practical step taken by those (people) who want to end the killing. Michael Stone later said that he too found it difficult when Sylvia took his hand. He said that he had become a Loyalist fighter when he was very young. He had spent time in prison. He felt he had never been able to know his nine children. He wished the events in Ireland had never happened. But he said that the meeting with Sylvia had helped him.
Voice 1

It is a sad fact that in many countries people are killing each other. Does this have to be? If you did not agree with somebody, would it not be better to go and talk to that person? Or would you want to kill that person instead? Bishop Desmond Tutu said this about the people of Ireland: They are wonderful. They have big hearts. They have a great sense of humour. I want them to show us that they can come out of their terrible suffering as better people. I want them to show us that it is possible for enemies to become friends.
Voice 2

The writers of today's programme were Shelagh Godwin and Mike Procter. The producer was Marina Santee. The voices you heard were from England. Computer users can hear our programmes, read our scripts and see our wordlist on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called Facing the Truth.
Voice 1

Thank you for joining us in todays Spotlight programme. Goodbye.

1972
Families Under Pressure
Voice 1

Hello. I am Peter Laverock.

Voice 2

And I am Marina Santee. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

Today's Spotlight is on some things that we can do to make a better world. We often blame our troubles on big things, like war and the economy. But what about us? What can people like us do - instead of blaming others?
Voice 2

In Spotlight today, we are going to talk about situations in Myanmar, Brazil and Southern Africa. These examples show us that the family and the community play a big part in making a better world. First, let us look at Myanmar, the country that used to be called Burma. Karl Dorning is a worker with the aid group, World Vision. He writes about a problem that exists along the border of Myanmar and Thailand.
Voice 3

Lack of jobs has caused many young people to go to Thailand. In some communities more than half of young adults decide to go to Thailand. These are young people aged between fourteen [14] and eighteen [18] years. There are many risks connected to this decision. The risks include arrest and forced removal. Some of the young people become involved in drugs and the sex trade. And this can lead to infection with HIV. The young people from Myanmar know all about these risks, but still they go to work in Thailand.
Voice 2

The simple answer for World Vision would be to help create jobs in Myanmar. World Vision could also go around telling young people more about the risks of working in Thailand. But they decided instead to find out some of the deeper reasons why the young people leave home. Karl Dorning says;
Voice 3

"We talked to young people who had decided to stay in Myanmar. In many ways they were in the same situation as those who leave. They are from poor families. They had the same skills as those who leave. They had the same level of education. But some things were different. They had parents who did not want them to go. They were more afraid of getting HIV/AIDS. They were more afraid of being arrested by the Thai police and being threatened at work. The young people who stayed also had better support from their friends. The research showed that the only real difference between young people who go -- and those who stay -- is the social support of parents and friends."
Voice 2

World Vision's research has encouraged the young people to do more to prevent their friends from going to Thailand. Through them, the community has more energy and more hope.
Voice 1

Another big social problem is violence within the family, often called domestic violence. In most cultures, people hide this problem away. ArlinePoubel de Silva works for the aid group, Tearfund, in Brazil. She describes a number of ways in which we can help a person who is suffering from domestic violence.
Voice 4

"At first it is important to listen with care to the person. It is important to believe what they say. If you can, take the person to an official, or a social worker, who can help. Often victims are afraid to seek help. But with your support they may be able to get out of danger. "Never ask the person to forget what has happened to them. Do not ask victims of violence to simply forgive the people who ill-treat them. Forgiveness is between the person and God. Never let the victim believe that they are to blame for the violence. "And look out for signs of violence on children. If you suspect anything, do something about it. In many cases a child may be too afraid to seek help. The victim needs you to investigate and to do something."
Voice 2

Now to Southern Africa. This is the place that suffers most from the disease HIV and AIDS. For example, in Malawi, more than one in four children are without a father or mother because of AIDS. And AIDS affects children long before their parents die. It is common for children to be sent away to live with grandparents. But this can be the start of many more problems. Researchers from Brunel University in England went to Malawi to find out about what happens to such children.
Voice 5

The children have problems because the other members of the grandmother's family do not accept them. They have problems settling in to a new town and a new school. If they move from a farm to a town they have problems learning new kinds of work. The children try hard to survive these changes. But it is difficult and sometimes they turn to smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
Voice 2

The research in Southern Africa shows that there are several ways of reducing these problems. One idea is to build relations before sending a child a long way away from home. Parents can take their children to the grandmother's house on a short visit. After this the children will not be so afraid to go back and live there permanently. Another good idea is to let the children decide where they would like to go. If they cannot choose where to go, then it is possible that they will run away and live on the streets.
Voice 1

In all these countries - Myanmar, Brazil and Malawi - there is a clear message. These stories show that families and communities can help to solve problems. It is not only governments or the United Nations that solve problems. I come back to the question, what can we do to make a better world?
Voice 2

We will end with the words of Dr. Carlos Raimundo. He lives in Australia. He is a Christian and an expert in family care. He is involved in teaching some of the ideas we have been hearing about in this programme. Dr. Raimundo says:
Voice 6

"I believe that real healing is among us, in the community. We can learn how to help each other as friends, family members, and workers. We can learn to help each other at community events and in religious meetings - such as church. If we did this we would have a better life. If we helped each other, we would not need so much help from doctors or social workers. The power to heal is between us."
Voice 2

The writer and producer of today's programme was Peter Laverock. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom and the United States. You can listen to the programme again, read the script and see our wordbook on our website at www.radio.english.net. You can also email us direct from the website.
Voice 1

The stories in this programme were from a recent edition of the magazine Footsteps. This magazine is published by a Christian organisation, Tearfund, which works in the poorest communities in the world. There is a link to the Footsteps magazine in the programme script. This programme is called 'Families Under Pressure'. Thank you for listening, and goodbye.

1981

Bats
Voice 1

Hello. Im Mike Procter.

Voice 2

And Im Marina Santee. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

What do you think of when you hear bats flying near you? Do you imagine friendly looking creatures? Probably not! Bats are not very popular creatures! And many people find them a little frightening. This is partly because of false stories surrounding the creatures. In todays programme we look at how this small creature may have the answer to one of our biggest health problems!
Voice 2

The bats body is designed well! A bat is not a bird. It is the earths only flying mammal! A bats wing has two layers of skin. The skin stretches between the bats long finger bones, then down the side of its body and back leg. The bats thumb sticks out at the front of the wing. It is free to hold on to trees and walls.
Voice 1

There are almost a thousand different kinds of bat! But all bats fit into one of two main groups mega bats or micro bats. Mega bats are large. A mega bat can weigh up to one kilogram. And its wings can be about two metres across! Mega bats live in hot rainforests - such as in Africa or Australia. They eat fruit. Or, they drink the sweet liquid nectar from flowers.
Voice 2

Micro bats are much smaller. The smallest weighs only about two grams. And its wings are about fifteen centimetres across. Micro bats live all over the world. They eat mostly insects. One of the most well known bats is a micro bat. It is the vampire bat! People take an interest in this bat mainly because of its name - vampire bat!
Voice 1

Vampires are imaginary creatures. They exist in films and books. They have human-like bodies. And they usually have some kind of supernatural power. They survive by drinking blood - at night! Vampires bite their victims neck with their sharp pointed teeth. Vampires are not real. They do not exist. But the vampire bat still takes its English name from them. This is because the vampire bat survives by drinking blood!
Voice 2

The vampire bat is the only kind of bat that drinks blood. It makes a small bite in the skin of a sleeping animal. The bat has a way of helping the blood to flow. Without this, the blood would grow thick quickly, and the bat could not drink.
Voice 1

The secret is in the liquid inside a bats mouth, the saliva. The saliva contains a chemical that stops the victims blood from becoming thick. This chemical is very interesting to scientists. In fact, they are now researching the use of this chemical. They are performing tests using the chemical to treat strokes.

Voice 2

Over four million [4,000,000] people die from strokes each year. The most common kind of stroke is an ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke can happen when something blocks one of the blood tubes leading to the brain. These tubes, or arteries, carry blood and oxygen to the brain. So a blocked artery prevents oxygen reaching the brain. A stroke is when some of cells in the brain die as a result of the blocked artery.
Voice 1

Melissa Welch worked in a store after school. One day, she felt sick. It seemed like the room was going round and round. Another worker found Melissa at the back of the store. Melissa was unable to speak. She could not stand up. A blocked artery was starving her brain of oxygen. Melissa was experiencing the beginnings of a stroke.
Voice 2

Fast treatment is very important with strokes. Melissa got to the hospital quickly. And doctors were able to save her life. But many people do not get fast treatment. This is because they do not recognise the signs of a stroke. This is true particularly with strokes that are not severe. Some of the signs of a stroke include:
Voice 1

Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Voice 2

Difficulty walking.
Voice 1

A sudden loss of balance.

Voice 2

A severe pain in the head.

Voice 1

Sudden eye problems.

Voice 2

And weakness or a loss of movement in one side.

Voice 1

Doctors say that people showing these signs should seek help immediately. They should not wait for the signs to go away. Fast treatment can be the difference between life and death.
Voice 2

Since 1996, doctors have used a drug called tPA to help people like Melissa. tPA breaks down the blood clot that blocks the artery. But it is only effective for small clots. And, it gives doctors only three hours to fight the damage.
Voice 1

So doctors used a new device for Melissa. It is called the Merci Retriever, or just Merci. The Merci is good because it gives doctors more time to work. They have up to eight hours to fight damage. The Merci works by using a special wire to take hold of the clot and pull it out. Doctors made a small cut in the very top of Melissas leg. They carefully fed the Merci device into an artery. They guided it up to the affected area of the brain. A few minutes after the operation, blood started to flow again. Oxygen fed into Melissas brain. The Merci Retriever saved her life!
Voice 2

However the Merci Retriever and tPA both have limits. They are not good at dealing with with large clots that are deep inside the brain. Is there hope for patients with this problem? Well, yes one hope comes in the form of a bat!
Voice 1

Remember, the vampire bat drinks the blood from the wounds of its victims. It produces a special chemical that stops the blood clotting. Well, scientists have genetically engineered this chemical to produce a new drug - desmoteplase. Desmoteplase can break down blood clots. It can return blood flow to the brain up to nine hours after a stroke. Desmoteplase is also able to break up clots without affecting blood clotting in other parts of the body. Most importantly it does not increase the risk of bleeding on the brain.
Voice 2

Early studies of desmoteplase have shown promising results. Doctors gave patients desmoteplase within three to nine hours of a stroke. In one study, blood flow to the brain returned to fifty five percent of test patients. Doctor Howard Rowley from the University of Wisconsin Medical School said,
Voice 1

It is the biggest breakthrough I have seen in twenty years.

Voice 2

Vampire bats are probably the most disliked kind of bat. But, they may hold an answer to one of the worlds leading causes of death - strokes. It seems that nature has many secrets we have yet to discover. Who knows what other solutions may be in the creation that is all around us.
Voice 1

The writer and producer of todays programme was Marina Santee. Todays voices were from Britain. You can write to Spotlight at radio @ english .net, and our website is at at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called, Bats.
Voice 2

If you have comments or questions about our programmes write to us. Our address is radio @ english .net. Thank you for joining us today. Goodbye.

1982

What the World Eats

Voice 1

Thank you for joining us for todays Spotlight program. Im Joshua Leo
Voice 2

And Im Rebekah Schipper. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

The world is a wonderful mix of people, cultures, religions, and traditions. But there is at least one thing that everyone in the world has in common. That is, we all EAT!
Voice 2

Todays Spotlight is on a wonderful book called Hungry Planet - What the World Eats. It is a book that may make you think. What do you and your family eat?
Voice 1

Imagine having dinner with thirty [30] different families, in twenty-four [24] different countries. Imagine shopping, farming, cooking, and eating with those families. Imagine taking notes about every vegetable peeled, every drink poured, and every package opened. Then, imagine writing a book about your experience.
Voice 2

Well, that is what Faith DAluisio and Peter Menzel did! Faith wrote the book. And her husband, Peter, took pictures for the book. Together they travelled to twenty-four [24] different countries. They joined thirty [30] different families as they ate their meals. They wrote down everything they saw and learned.
Voice 1

Each chapter in the book starts with a picture of a family. Under the picture are the names of the family members and the name of the city and country where they live. The family is surrounded by all the food they eat in one week.
Voice 2

Next to the picture is more information about the family. The information includes how the family prepares their food. It tells how they keep their food fresh. Some families use a stove to cook their food. Other families cook around a fire on the ground. Some families use an electric refrigerator to keep the food cold. But other families must eat everything at once. They have no way to keep their food fresh.
Voice 1

The familys weekly food is put into groups - like meat, fruits and vegetables, milk products, grains and bread, and drinks. The book shows the cost of each group in both American dollars and the local currency amount. Then the book shows the total amount of money the family spends on food in one week.
Voice 2

It is very interesting to see how different the diets of families around the world are. Here are a few of the books examples. While you listen, think about what your family eats. How does it compare to what other families in the world are eating?
Voice 3

The Madsen family lives in Cap Hope village in Greenland. Five [5] people live in the home. They spend two hundred seventy-seven [277] dollars each week on food. They spend most of their money on fresh meat. They eat animals like polar bear, walrus, and arctic geese. Many people in Greenland hunt these large animals for their meat.
Voice 4

The Mendoza family lives in Todos Santos Cuchumatan, Guatemala. Six [6] people live in the home. They spend seventy-five [75] dollars a week on food. Unlike the Madsen family, the Mendoza family eats meat less than once a week. They spend most of their money on fruits and vegetables like bananas, zapote, passion fruit, avocados, green beans, and red chili peppers.
Voice 3

The Al Haggan family lives in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Eight [8] people live in the Al Haggan home. They spend two hundred twenty-one [221] dollars on food each week. They also eat many fruits and vegetables. They buy oranges, apples, dates peppers, corn, and lettuce. However these foods cost more in Kuwait than they would in Guatemala.
Voice 4

The Revis family lives in North Carolina, in the United States. There are four [4] people in the family. They spend three hundred and forty-two [342] dollars each week on food. They spend much of their money on fast food from eating places like McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King, and pizza places.
Voice 3

The Aboubakar family is from Darfur, Sudan. But, they live as refugees in the country of Chad. Djimia is a single mother. She has five [5] children she cares for by herself. The family spends a little over one dollar on food each week. In other countries, where food costs more, this amount would be about twenty-four [24] dollars. They mostly make a thick porridge made from sorghum, a grain. Djimia also receives food aid in her refugee camp. Some days the family lacks food. They must make hard decisions. They must decide who gets to eat.
Voice 1

These are just a few of the examples of the families in the book Hungry Planet - What the World Eats. There are many more. All of the examples help us to understand the world we live in. We live in a world where some families eat meat every day. And other families eat mostly fruits and vegetables. We live in a world where some families have enough money to eat whatever they want, whenever they want. And there are other families where some people in the family must go hungry.
Voice 2

According to an organization called World Hunger, there is enough food in the world to feed every person. World Hunger believes that that conflict, poverty, and unequal sharing of resources cause some people to have no food. The organization reports that over one billion [1,000,000,000] people live on less than one dollar a day. That is less than seven [7] dollars a week.
Voice 1

Have you ever thought about how much money your family spends a week on food? How much do you spend on meat and fish? How much do you spend on fruit, vegetables, and grains? How much do you spend at eating places like McDonalds or Burger King? Do you ever buy food that you do not need? Do you ever throw away food?
Voice 2

The book Hungry Planet - What the World Eats is not about food politics. The books authors, Faith and Peter, are not judging people. They are not telling people why hunger exists in the world. They are only sharing what they experienced. The purpose of the book is to help people understand how other people live.
Voice 1

Earlier we talked about the Revis family from the United States. They spent over three hundred dollars [300] a week on food. After reading the book, they felt shame about the amount of food they were eating. Mrs. Revis said,
Voice 3

Everyone (in our family) felt very (troubled) by the large amount (and kinds) of food on the table in our picture. (We are using our picture in the book to help us change).
Voice 2

Spotlight would like to encourage all listeners to examine what they eat. Compare what you eat to what other people in the world eat. Make wise food choices. Try not to waste food. Making good food choices is one way to show respect for people who do not have enough.
Voice 1

The writer of todays program was Rebekah Schipper. Computer users can listen to Spotlight programs along with their scripts on our website at www.radio.english.net. This program is called, What the World Eats.

1984

Ten Ways to Fight Hate: Teach Tolerance

Voice 1

Thank you for joining us for todays Spotlight program. Im Liz Waid.
Voice 2

And Im David Bast. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

In 2002, a group of scientists from the University of Ulster performed a study of school children in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has a history of hate and violence between the members of the Catholic and Protestant religions. The scientists chose Catholic and Protestant school children from around Northern Ireland. They asked these children questions. And they learned some very interesting things.

Voice 2

These scientists learned that very young children already had opinions about people who were different from them. These opinions are called biases. They learned that by the age of three [3], Catholic children from the north had formed bad opinions about the police. Also by the age of three [3], some Protestant children said they liked the British flag more than the Irish flag. The scientists learned that by the age of six [6], children were already identifying with a particular community. And fifteen percent [15%] of these children even made hateful comments about people who were different from them.
Voice 1

This study in Ireland shows us that every person can be affected by hateful thoughts or feelings. Even very small children can have harmful biases and opinions. Young children can learn to judge people who are different from them. But should people accept this? Where do these children get these ideas? And more importantly, how can people stop these harmful biases in children?
Voice 2

Todays Spotlight program is the ninth in a series of ten [10] programs. In this series of programs we have been looking at ten [10] ways to fight hate in your community.
Voice 1

Hate is a very damaging feeling. It damages the person hating. And it damages the person who is being hated. Hate can lead people to do horrible things, like hate crimes. Hate is very damaging to people and communities.
Voice 2

Tolerance.org has made this list of ten [10] ways to fight hate in your community. On todays Spotlight program we will look at the ninth way to fight hate in your community: Teach Tolerance.
Voice 1

Tolerance means accepting people for who they are. It means accepting and respecting different opinions and beliefs. Tolerance.org believes that children need to learn tolerance. And they need to learn it when they are very young. It is a terrible thing to teach a child to hate. And studies like the one in Ireland show that children can learn to hate at a very young age.
Voice 2

So how can we prevent children from learning to hate? What are some ways to teach tolerance to children? Well, Tolerance.org says that one very important place to teach tolerance to children is school.

Voice 1

School is a place where many different children come together in one place. In school, children talk, laugh and learn with other children. And children want to learn more about people who are different from them.
Voice 2

There are many ways to encourage children to celebrate differences in school. One teacher in the United States uses art to teach tolerance to her students. She asks her children to paint pictures of their faces. They mix different colour paints together to make their skin colour. Then they name the colours they made. Children learn that everyone has a different and beautiful skin colour. And no ones skin colour is either black or white.
Voice 1

Another way to teach tolerance is to have children tell stories about their families. By doing this, children learn about each others culture and traditions. They learn to value the different kinds of families that people come from.
Voice 2

Teachers can also teach tolerance by asking children to imagine what the world would be like if there was no hate. You may have heard of Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous black preacher. He fought for the rights of black people in the United States in the nineteen fifties [1950s] and sixties [60s]. He gave a speech called I Have a Dream. In that speech he talked about his dream.
Martin Luther King Jr.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!
Voice 2

He dreamed that one day white and black children would play together and hold hands peacefully. Well, many teachers ask their children to write their own I Have a Dream speech. They ask children to imagine a better and more tolerant world. Then children write about their hopes for the future.
Voice 1

Older children and young adults can learn more about tolerance by looking at media sources like films and television. They can look at how the media presents different races, religions and ethnic groups. They can decide if they agree with the films and television programs. Some films and television programs use stereotypes. They present groups of people as being all the same.

Young adults can decide what films or television programs are good sources of information. They can see the dangers of presenting a group of people as being all the same.
Voice 2

These are just a few ways that Tolerance.org talks about teaching tolerance to children in school. But school is not the only place for children to learn tolerance. The most important place for a child to learn tolerance is from adults, like parents and other members of the community. Every adult is a teacher to children. Children copy the actions and words of adults in the community. You can teach a child tolerance by being a good example for her to follow. Show tolerance for the people you work with or meet in your community. If you are a tolerant adult, your children will be more tolerant adults too!
Voice 1

Tolerance is important for people of all ages to learn. Examine your own thoughts and opinions. Are you tolerant of people who are different than you are? Are there people in your community that you avoid, ignore, or try to forget? These things are just as harmful as treating someone badly in public. We all can work to be more tolerant people. And we can teach tolerance to everyone we know. Parents can teach tolerance to their children. You can encourage other adults like your friends, family and the people you work with to be tolerant of others. We can all work to encourage and teach tolerance to the people around us.
Voice 2

This is the ninth program in our series of ten [10] programs on ten [10] ways to fight hate. The list is from Tolerance.org. This group works to spread information about stopping hate and hate crimes. Here are the Tolerance.orgs ten [10] ways to fight hate: Act, Unite, Support the Victims, Do Your Homework, Create an Alternative, Speak Up, Lobby Leaders, Look Long Range, Teach Tolerance, and Dig Deeper.
Voice 1

Keep listening to Spotlight to hear the complete series. And be sure to visit Tolerance.org on the internet!
Voice 2

The writers of this program were Sara DeKoster and Liz Waid. Computer users can hear more Spotlight programs on our website at www.radio.english.net. This program is called Ten Ways to Fight Hate: Teach Tolerance.
Voice 1

If you have a comment or question for Spotlight you can email us. Our email address is radio @ english .net. We hope you can join us for the next Spotlight program. Goodbye!

1985 Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Voice 1

Hello. I'm Elizabeth Lickiss.

Voice 2

And I'm Marina Santee. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

This is the music of the group called Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith Black Mambazo comes from South Africa. Former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela said, "Ladysmith Black Mambazoare South Africa's cultural ambassadors". People all over the world respect Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Joseph Shabalala is the groups lead singer. Among his people he is a hero. Today's Spotlight programme discovers more about the group. We discover how their music has helped to break down social and cultural barriers.
Voice 2

The story of Ladysmith Black Mambazo starts with one man - Joseph Shabalala. Joseph was born in South Africa. His family were farmers. They did not have much money. Joseph's family were black South Africans. He was born at the time of apartheid. The apartheid law divided people based on the colour of their skin. As a black South African Joseph had to live with many restrictions. But Joseph had a dream. He wanted to provide for his family by making music. He wanted to become famous. But many of his friends said that he was stupid to even try.
Voice 1

Joseph loved to sing. He was skilled at music. A music group called the Devan Choir asked Joseph to perform with them. Joseph and the other choir members belonged to the Zulu tribe in South Africa. They played music called Isicathamiya music. Isicathamiya is a Zulu word. It means to walk or step on your toes quietly. Isicathamiya music is often called tiptoe music. This sort of music has a long history. In the nineteenth century native South Africans worked in mines. Their only day free from work was Sunday. On that day they danced and made music. The music they created was often noisy. But it was also great fun. However many people living near the mines got angry. They shouted, 'Keep the noise down!' So the mineworkers developed a new, quiet sort of music. They called the music tiptoe music. This is because people often walk on the ends of their toes when they want to move quietly.

Voice 2

Soon this tiptoe music became very popular. It involved mixing different voice sounds together in beautiful harmonies. Many different music groups developed. Each one tried to find better, more complex harmonies. The best tiptoe groups competed against each other for small prizes.
Voice 1

Joseph Shabalala continued to sing with the Devan Choir for two years. But then, in 1964, Joseph had an idea. He wanted to start a group for children. He wanted the children to sing very difficult harmonies. He wanted them to be the best group in the area. Joseph started asking young members of his family to help him. He started to teach them the music. Soon they formed their own group. They called the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith was the hometown of the family. They chose black because black cows are strong farm animals. And they added the word Mambazo because it means axe. Woodcutters use axes to cut down trees. Joseph dreamed of his group cutting a path to the top of the music industry.
Voice 2

Over the next fifteen [15] years Ladysmith Black Mambazo recorded many records. They sang their early songs all in the Zulu language. This was the native language of Joseph's family. But Joseph wanted all people in Africa to understand his songs. His desire was to use music to bring the people of Africa together. So he started writing in other African languages. He also started to write in English. The words of his songs talked about peace hope and love. They talked about people's need to care for each other. They talked about equal rights for all people in South Africa.
Voice 1

Ladysmith Black Mambazo sold many records in Africa. But they were not famous in the rest of the world. Then, in the early nineteen seventies [1970's], Paul Simon arrived. A friend had given him a record. It was a record of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Paul was already established as a leading international musician. But he came to South Africa because he loved the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The harmonies they created were completely different to anything he had heard before. So he talked to Joseph. The result of their meeting was the writing of two new songs. These songs became popular across the world. Over ten million [10,000,000] copies of the songs have been sold. The first was called 'Homeless' and the second was called, 'Diamonds on the soles of her shoes'.
Voice 2

Joseph and his group were now famous. They travelled across the world. Everything was going well for them. But back in South Africa things were not so good. The struggle against the apartheid system was becoming violent. Many people believed that the law was wrong. They wanted to see the law changed. Joseph wanted to see an end to apartheid too. But he did not

think that violence was the way. He decided to use his music to cross cultural and social divides. He said,
Voice 3

'Music is the language of all people. Our message is one of peace and love. Music can be a beautiful weapon. It can put people together without hurting or injuring them'.
Voice 2

Nelson Mandela officially recognised the part that Ladysmith Black Mambazo played in helping end apartheid. In 1993, he invited the group to go with him to Oslo. There he received the Nobel Peace Prize. The following year Nelson Mandela became president. He invited Ladysmith Black Mambazo to sing at the celebrations.
Voice 1

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has now sold over forty million [40,000,000] copies of their music. They are still creating new songs. But Joseph is also working on another project. He wants to create the Mambazo Academy of African Music and Culture. He believes in the power of music to heal past hurts and anger. He wants to share this truth with young people. Joseph believes that music is a gift from God. It can help unite people. Their race and language do not matter. Through music they can be brothers and sisters together. They can sing about their feelings and needs. Here is the voice of Joseph Sabalala,
Joseph Sabalala

'Music can put two peoples together. God made a good thing to help people. It does not matter that the person sings in English, Africans, Zulu, any language. They are all singing about what is inside.'
Voice 2

The writer of today's programme was Elizabeth Lickiss. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called 'Ladysmith Black Mambazo'. Thank you for joining us in today's Spotlight programme. Goodbye.

1986 Obesity
Voice 1

Hello. I'm Elizabeth Lickiss.

Voice 2

And I'm Mike Procter. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live
Voice 1

In October 2004, experts met in Africa to discuss what they call a global epidemic. The experts estimate that this global epidemic threatens the health of over three hundred million [300,000,000] people worldwide. They were not talking about an infectious disease. The experts were talking about obesity. Doctors say that someone is obese when they are seriously overweight. They have too much body fat.
Voice 2

It seems terrible to discuss obesity in a world where many people do not have enough to eat. But groups like the World Health Organisation are concerned. They say that obesity is an important issue. Being obese causes people many health problems. Health care services across the world spend millions of dollars treating these problems.
Voice 1

Sarah Burgess works in an office. She lives in England. At the age of thirty-one [31], Sarah weighed more than one hundred and seventy kilograms. Doctors estimated that she should weigh about sixty [60] kilograms. The doctors were seriously worried. They told Sarah to stop eating so much. They told her to start exercising. Sarah's obesity was causing her many health problems. Sarah had heart disease and diabetes. Sarah's doctors warned her that she would probably die if she did not lose some body fat. This frightened Sarah. She decided to change her way of life. She read the health information from her doctor. She started to include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit in her diet. She started to exercise more. Today Sarah is half the size she was before. She is starting to feel better. Her doctors are pleased. But Sarah still requires treatment for her heart and diabetes. Obesity has damaged her body permanently. Sarah says,

Voice 4

"I am happy to be a healthier person. I just wish that I had acted before. This situation is my fault. I cannot blame anyone. I am the only one that puts food in my mouth. It has been hard for me to change my way of life. However the information and support of my doctors has helped me a lot."
Voice 2

Sarah's story shows how dangerous over-eating can be. Sarah lives in England. Many people across the world think that obesity is just a western problem. But experts at the International obesity meeting in Africa say this is not the case. They say that this problem is beginning to threaten many other parts of the world.
Voice 1

In South Africa, one in three men and one in two women are obese. In Kenya, around ten per cent of the population is obese. Professor Arne Astrup is president of the International Association For The Study Of Obesity. She says,
Voice 3

"In Africa we can see that obesity is becoming a major issue. It is clear that starvation and obesity can exist at the same time in the same country".
Voice 1

But Africa is not the only area struggling with this issue. Experts estimate that twenty-five percent [25 %] of the Middle East population is also over weight. In Japan, obesity rates for men have doubled since 1992.
Voice 2

So why the sudden increase in obesity?

Voice 1

Experts say that there are many different social and economic reasons for this rise. For example, in Africa, being fat is a traditional sign of wealth and importance. Many countries in Africa now have a developing economy. The people with money want to show their wealth. So, they eat more.

Voice 2

In some parts of Africa people describe the AIDS disease as 'slim' - thin. This is because when people have AIDS their bodies waste away. People without the disease try to be fat. They do not want other people to think that they have AIDS.
Voice 1

The United Nations Food and Agricultural organisation is studying the obesity problem. It says that this problem seems to develop when a countries economy improves. The wealth of a country often centres in towns and cities. Most of the city work is based in offices. City work often demands less physical activity from people. So office workers do not need so much food. However many workers seem unable to limit the amount of food they eat. They do not exercise either.
Voice 2

The kinds of food that people eat in cities can also cause more problems. People in cities have many different foods to choose from. Imported food from developed nations is popular. People consider these western foods to be good. But much of this food contains too much sugar and fat. It is not good for the body in large amounts. A more traditional diet of grain and vegetables is much better. But people reject the traditional diets. They want to copy western culture.
Voice 1

PrakashShetty works for the United Nations. He is Director of the Food and Agricultural Organisation. He says that experts rarely talk about obesity in developing countries. They do not want to deal with this issue when many people suffer from starvation. But information provided by the Worldwatch Institute worries Doctor Shetty. The Worldwatch Institute is a respected research organisation. It collects information on world economic, social and health developments. Its research on obesity states that the numbers of people suffering starvation is now equal to those who are obese.
Voice 2

So how can governments deal with the problem of obesity? Surely it is up to the individual to choose how much food to eat?
Voice 1

Doctor Shetty believes that governments can help. They can provide people with health education. Doctor Shetty says that governments should encourage healthy eating. He says, 'We must learn from the experiences of the west and America. We must not fall into the same obesity trap. These countries are paying a big financial and human cost because of their obesity levels'. American experts estimate that health problems caused by obesity cost America around one hundred and seventeen billion [117,000,000,000] dollars a year.

Voice 2

Helen Evans is an expert on diet and health. She believes that health education is a cost effective way of dealing with obesity. Money spent on education will inform people. It may help them change the way they live. Money spent on education may reduce the need for money to be spent on medical treatments in the future. But Helen also says that people need to start taking responsibility for their own future. She says,
Voice 5

"Governments need to educate their populations about health matters. But no one can force a person to eat a good diet and exercise. It is something that we have to choose for ourselves. I believe that we should take care of our own health. We owe this to our families, our communities and ourselves."
Voice 2

The writer of today's programme was Elizabeth Lickiss. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom and the United States. Computer users can hear our programmes on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called 'Obesity'. Thank you for joining us in today's Spotlight programme. Goodbye.

1987

Elephants
Voice 1

Thank you for joining us for today's Spotlight. I'm Rebekah Schipper.
Voice 2

And I'm Liz Waid. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live. Today's Spotlight is on the largest land animal on the planet -- the elephant!
Voice 1

Large is right! Male elephants can stand between three and four metres tall. And they can weigh well over five tons!
Voice 2

Even elephants' ears are big. An elephant's ear can measure two metres across.

Voice 1

But, people recognize elephants for more than just their large size. Elephants are probably most recognized for their long, large nose - their trunk. Elephants' trunks make them some of the world's greatest herbivores, or plant eaters. They can tear large branches from trees. They can extend their trunks to reach higher than six metres. That is high enough to reach the tops of some tall trees.
Voice 2

Elephants can also use their trunks to feed off the ground. They can pull up grass. Or, they can even use their large trunks to find very small pieces of food -- food smaller than the top of your finger!
Voice 1

Elephants are very social animals. They have special ways of greeting each other, or saying hello! Younger elephants will greet an older elephant by placing his trunk in the older elephant's mouth. And elephants will often rub their trunks together.
Voice 2

Elephants communicate through a growling sound. This low sound comes from inside of their thick necks. When an elephant is lost, it will make this growling sound. Another elephant will answer this call for help. Some elephant sounds are very deep. They are so deep that humans are unable to hear them! The frequency of the sound is too low for human ears.
Voice 1

It is probably not a good idea to make an elephant angry. It is easy to see if an elephant feels threatened. Threatened elephants will move their heads back and forward. This makes their ears move backwards and forwards too. Their large ears will hit their faces. They will bring their trunks close to their mouths. Then they will release their trunks quickly while making a very loud sound. A threatened elephant may even charge, or run forward towards its enemy. Then it will spread its ears wide. This makes the elephant look even larger. It is easy to understand why elephants do not have many enemies! Can you imagine such a large animal running towards you?
Voice 2

But for the most part, elephants are very gentle creatures. This is especially true between mothers and their babies. Mother elephants give lots of love to their babies. They show this love in many different ways. Mother elephants will often touch their babies with their trunks and feet. A mother will help her baby to its feet by supporting it with her trunk. A mother will also use her trunk to help her baby climb over objects in its path.
Voice 1

A mother elephant will always protect her baby. She does this in many ways. She will push her baby under her body to protect it from danger. She will stand over her baby to protect it from the hot sun. She will fill her trunk with water. Then, she will release the water onto her baby. This helps to keep her baby cool on hot days. A baby's cry for help will immediately bring its mother running!
Voice 2

In fact, mother elephants are very important. You see, elephants form matriarchal groups. That is, the oldest mother in the group will lead the other elephants. A normal elephant group will have a mother, her grown daughters, and her daughter's children. Male elephants usually live separate, alone, or in groups with other male elephants. Young male elephants live with their mothers. But, when they reach their teen years they will leave the group. Males will enter back into the female group to mate. Then, they will leave again.
Voice 1

A group's well-being depends on the leadership of the mother elephant. The mother decides the group's travelling direction. She is in control of how fast the group will walk. When she eats the rest of the group will eat too. They will stop eating when she does. Elephant group members will rarely be more than fifty yards from the mother elephant. They always stay close together.
Voice 2

In fact, elephant group members will surround the mother and the elephant babies, when danger threatens them. But, it is still the mother's decision to attack or to flee danger. The group will follow her lead.
Voice 1

Something very interesting happens if the mother elephant is injured or falls sick. The remaining elephants will not leave her. They will stay near to her. Sadly, this can put the whole group in danger.
Voice 2

For example, there are people who hunt elephants. They sell different parts of an elephant's body for money. Often these people will shoot the mother of a group first. These hunters understand that the other elephants will not leave the mother. That way, they are able to shoot more elephants. Hunting elephants to make money is called poaching. Poaching is illegal.
Voice 1

Elephants show a great amount of support for the other elephants in their group. They cooperate with each other. They help each other. One of the greatest ways that they show care is by physically supporting a fallen elephant. If a group member falls sick or injured the other

elephants will surround it. They will lower their bodies to the ground. Then they will raise the fallen elephant between them. They will support it with their own bodies to help it stand.
Voice 2

It may seem a little strange, but people can learn important ideas from animals, like elephants. Let us look again at the lives of elephants. Elephants form strong communities. They love and protect their young. Mother elephants demonstrate good leadership. They do what is best for the whole group. Elephant group members are committed to each other. They will support a fallen member.
Voice 1

Imagine a world where people formed strong communities. How would the world be better if adults always loved and protected small children? Imagine a world where leaders always did what is best for their people. How would the world be different if people always supported the sick, the weak, the hungry, the poor - the fallen? Does learning from elephants seem so strange now?
Voice 2

The writer and producer of today's program was Rebekah Schipper. The voices you heard were from the United States. Computer users can hear these programs, read our scripts, and see our word list on our website at www.radio.English.net. This program is called "Elephants."
Voice 1

Is there an animal that you would like to know more about? Do you think that people can learn from animal behaviour? Please email us your comments and questions. Our email address is radio @ English .net. We hope you can join us again next time for Spotlight. Goodbye!

1991

World No Tobacco Day 2006

Voice 1

Thank you for joining us for todays Spotlight. Im Rebekah Schipper.

Voice 2

And Im Liz Waid. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 4

Smoking makes you an adult.

Voice 3

Lie! Smoking does not make you an adult.

Voice 5

If I smoke, more people will desire me.

Voice 3

This is a lie! Smoking makes your breath smell bad!

Voice 4

My smoking has no effect on the environment.

Voice 3

Lies. Cigarette companies cut down millions of trees!

Voice 5

Smoking is not addictive.

Voice 3

Lie. The nicotine in cigarettes is one of the most addictive substances on earth.
Voice 4

Light cigarettes are not bad for your health.

Voice 3

All lies. Cigarettes can kill you.

Voice 1

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. This years theme is, Tobacco - Deadly in any form or disguise. Tobacco companies love to tell lies. They tell lies so that more and more people will begin to smoke. But World No Tobacco Day and Spotlight want to stop the lies. We want to keep people healthy by telling the truth. If you smoke, today is a good day to quit. If you do not smoke, share this program with someone who does. Let us spread the truth about tobacco together.
Voice 2

According to the Public Health Department of Dubai, just over one billion [1,000,000,000] people in the world smoke. This includes cigarettes and other forms of tobacco like pipes, bidies, kretaks, clove cigarettes, snus, snuff, and cigars. About three and a half million [3,500,000] smokers die each year from sickness caused by tobacco. This is equal to ten thousand [10,000] deaths each day around the world. The Public Health Department believes that tobacco will be the leading cause of death and disability by the year 2020.
Voice 1

When people die from tobacco sicknesses the tobacco companies lose business. So, they must work hard to gain more business. They must work hard to get more people smoking! These companies lie to get you to smoke. Tobacco companies are great liars. And sadly, many people believe the lies.
Voice 2

But these lies are keeping people from making healthy choices. People are being fooled. So, Spotlight would like to share some of the main lies that tobacco companies tell. Please do not be fooled by these lies.
Voice 3

Smoking low tar or light cigarettes is better for you.

Voice 1

This is a lie. Many scientists around the world have done tests on light cigarettes. They have found that levels of harmful chemicals like tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in light cigarettes are the same as normal cigarettes.
Voice 2

Cigarette companies use misleading language on their containers. They trick people into believing that light cigarettes are better for their health. But, light cigarettes give people the same diseases as normal cigarettes. This is true for mild, low tar, full flavour, fruit flavoured, chocolateflavoured, natural, and organic cigarettes. Do not be fooled by the language. Quitting smoking is the only sure way to reduce risk of disease.
Voice 3

Cigarette companies do not target young people. They do not want young people to start smoking.
Voice 1

This is a lie. Cigarette companies depend on young smokers. Research has shown that a young person who begins smoking will pay tobacco companies over forty thousand [40,000] dollars in his life time.
Voice 2

Most older people will not begin smoking if they do not smoke already. But young people are still making choices about their lives. To smoke or not to smoke is a big decision that every young person must make. So, tobacco companies make smoking look very desirable.
Voice 1

Terence Sullivan used to work for one of the biggest cigarette companies. He worked in the selling department. He said,
Voice 4

We were targeting children. I said at the time that it was not ethical, and maybe illegal. But, I was told it was just company policy.
Voice 2

Cigarette companies spend billions of dollars each year to appeal to young people. They create tshirts, play toys, hats, and other things that young people will want to buy. Cigarette companies even pay popular actors in films a lot of money to smoke. The companies hope that people will want to be just like the film actor. This is called predatory marketing. It is like a large animal who hunts for smaller animals.
Voice 1

Research has shown that young people who wear clothes with cigarettes on them are four [4] times more likely to smoke cigarettes. Young people believe that wearing these clothes and smoking will make them look more adult. They believe that these things will make them more desired by other people. And they believe that...
Voice 3

Smoking will make me popular.

Voice 1

But that is a lie. Smoking companies like to show good looking people on television and on signs having a good time smoking. The truth is, if you smoke you could never be that active. Smoking hurts the lungs. Smoking and playing sports do not mix.
Voice 2

And smoking will not help your looks either! Smoking makes your teeth turn yellow. Smoking puts little lines in the skin of your face. Smoking can give you bad breath! Smoking will not help make you popular!
Voice 3

Smoking is not addictive. You can quit any time you want.
Voice 1

Lie! According to the American Heart Association nicotine is an addictive drug. It causes changes in the brain. It makes people want to smoke more and more. People experience good feelings when they smoke and bad feelings when they are not smoking. So, this causes an addiction to the good feelings of smoking. But, these good feelings do not last forever. Soon, peoples health will start to go bad. The good feelings will not last as long. And people will have to smoke more to feel good. Nicotine is one of the hardest addictions to break.
Voice 3

Smoking is not as bad for your health as everyone says it is.

Voice 2

This is probably the most dangerous lie the cigarette companies tell. Cigarettes can cause many health problems. In fact, long term cigarette use causes thirty [30] percent of all cancer deaths. Cigarettes cause thirty [30] percent of all heart disease deaths. Eighty-five [85] percent of all lung cancer cases come from cigarettes. Cigarettes cause lung diseases like emphysema and asthma. Cigarettes cause death.
Voice 1

Cigarette smoke can even harm non-smokers. According to the World Health Organization for every eight [8] smokers who die, one [1] non-smoker dies. They die from breathing in the smoke of others who do smoke.
Voice 2

Do not be fooled by the lies that cigarette companies tell. Celebrate World No Tobacco Day. If you smoke, today is a good day to stop. If you do not smoke, dont start. And, share the truth about cigarettes with people that do. The writer and producer of todays program was Rebekah Schipper. Computer users can hear more Spotligh programs on our website at www.radio.english.net. Todays program is called, World No Tobacco Day.
Voice 1

Do you have any experience with cigarettes? Do you know someone who is sick from smoking? Do you know someone who is addicted to cigarettes. Please email us your experience. Our email address is radio @ english .net.

1992

Mastering the Didgeridoo

Voice 1

Hello. I'm Elizabeth Lickiss.

Voice 2

And I'm Marina Santee. Welcome to our program in Specialized English. This program uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 3

'It is It is It is You It is the sound of the earth.'

Voice 1

coming coming a feel

from from soul

the the

heart, land, instrument. it.

The sound of the didgeridoo. The didgeridoo is one of the oldest and most simple musical instruments in use today. You may know it by one of its native Australian names such as yidali, yidaki and bombo. There are no native words that sound even similar to the word 'digeridoo.' So where did this word come from? One suggestion is that the word comes from the Irish language, Gaelic. The words d daire and duh.Dudaire means trumpeter - a trumpet is a kind of wind instrument. People blow air through wind instruments to make sound. And the other Gaelic word, duhh, means black. So together the words mean 'black trumpeter.'
Voice 2

The native Australians invented the didgeridoo. They made didgeridoos to communicate over long distances. But these people use them in other ways, too. They use digeridoos in religious ceremonies. They use them to express feelings and thoughts. And they use them to help them to connect with nature. After all, the wooden instruments come from the earth.
Voice 1

Native Australians make digeridoos from small wooden trees. They hit the trees gently and listen to the sound. They need to find trees that are hollow inside - without a middle. Particular trees are like this when small insects eat the middle of the trees. A digeridoo maker cuts the straight

part of the tree to the right size. Digeridoos usually measure a meter and a half long and five centimetres across. Then, the maker cleans out the middle of the trees. Next he smooths the outside and the ends. He then attaches a mouthpiece to his tube shaped instrument. The digeridoo is now ready to play!
Voice 2

But playing the didgeridoo is not easy. There are digeridoo teachers. But natives often say to learners, 'let the didgeridoo do the teaching'. So with only a didgeridoo for company, learners travel into the open land of Australia. Here, surrounded by the sounds of nature they begin their experience with the didgeridoo.
Voice 1

Listen to the deep long sounds of the instrument. The sounds seem endless. The player is clearly not stopping to breath. How does he do this?
Voice 2

He produces these long sounds by using a special method called, 'circular' breathing. Circular breathing permits players to blow while breathing in more air. This involves breathing in through the nose and out of the mouth at the same time - breathing in a circle. This is not easy. Some teachers suggest water breathing first. This works in this way:
Voice 1

Fill your mouth with water so the sides of your mouth fill out. Gently push the sides of your mouth with your hands. This releases the water. Push your tongue from the back of your mouth to the front. Take short breaths in through your nose to give you continuous air. Make sure your tongue prevents you from swallowing the water. Repeat the exercise until you can do it easily! It may take a while!
Voice 2

Breathing in this way is difficult at first. It not something that our bodies are used to. However once you learn how to do it, playing the didgeridoo is easy! A good player can breathe in this way for thirty minutes or more. He can produce these beautiful deep sounds, without stopping, for more than half an hour! And once you have mastered the digeridoo you can use it to express thoughts and feelings.
Voice 1

Australian player Mike Lane has mastered the digeridoo. He now performs with his group, Rivertribe. The group combines the deep sounds of the didgeridoo with the soft music of the violin and flute. Mike is the founding member of the group. He said his interest began with a gift. His brother gave him two didgeridoos as presents. These gifts changed his life. He said,

Voice 3

'Once I picked up that instrument my whole opinion of music changed. Rivertribe grew out of that.'
Voice 1

And today people across the world enjoy Rivertribe's music. The group has played in countries all over the world. People enjoy listening to its peaceful, instrumental sounds. They use it to rest their minds from the worries of every day life.
Voice 2

And this is exactly how Rivertribe want people to use their music. They aim to create powerful, effective music. They put a lot of their own emotions and feelings in it. Group member Matthew Aitchison told us his feelings about their music;
Voice 3

'We try and put the spirit of what we believe into our music. I guess what we see as a reaction from people is often an international tourist will be listening to us in the street and they will start crying. They will say, you know, the music just affected me deeply.'
Voice 1

Music can have a deep and powerful effect on those who hear it. Peaceful music like Rivertribe's enables the mind to travel to different places. It can help people think about the deeper meanings of life. Mike Lane said that there is a spiritual element to life. But people have dismissed this both inside and outside the church. As Christian artists they hope to connect people to this deeper side of life - to nature, to life, to God. One writer described Rivertribe's music like this,
Voice 3

'... a musical experience that leads listeners on a trip that extends from the earth to the heavens and back.'
Voice 1

We finish this programme with one of Rivertribe's songs, the Blessing. We read the words from their CD label 'Journey.' They are written by author, Joy Davidman. Her words speak of the heart of Rivertribe's music.
Voice 2

'Imagine if for one minute you forget the self and its desires and its rights. You give a small part of your life away. In return you get this wonderful light in the heart for a minute. What if the light never went out? What if it spread, got stronger, and filled your whole being forever? This is

what Jesus told us to try for. The full fire of God's love. This is what we were put into the world to find. And when we see the world clearly, it helps us to find it.'
Voice 2

The writer and producer of today's programme was Marina Santee. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes, read our scripts and see our wordbook on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called 'Mastering the Digeridoo'.
Voice 1

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. You can reach us by email. Our address is radio @ english .net. Thank you for joining us in today's Spotlight programme. Goodbye.
y y y y y y

Spotlight Listen/Read Word List Tuning In Contact Us Links

1993 Neem Tree

Voice 1

Hello. Im Elizabeth Lickiss.

Voice 2

And I'm Mike Procter. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

A large tree stands in the middle of the village. People shelter under it. The leaves of the tree protect them from the fierce sun. The temperature is always a few degrees cooler under the tree. The Neem tree is important to village life in Rajasthan, India. Every village community has its own tree. The Neem tree is a meeting point for village people. It is a place to do business deals. People have used the Neem to protect their crops and their lives for centuries. People often talk about the trees healing power. They say that it can cure skin problems and prevent infection. Local people know how important the tree is. But now people in the rest of the world are also interested. The ancient tree has become the centre of an international legal battle. Who owns the rights to its medicinal healing powers?

Voice 2

People often go to a pharmacy store to buy their medicines. At a pharmacy they can choose the right drugs to treat their sickness or condition. But local people often call the Neem tree the village pharmacy of South Asia. This is because the Neem is used in so many traditional medicines. Ancient Sanskrit books tell about the Neems many uses. Village women treat skin conditions using the Neem. They grind the leaves into a thick substance. Then they rub the substance into the patients skin. The effect on the skin is good. It can help ease any pain. It stops insect bites from becoming infectious. It helps the skin to heal.
Voice 1

But Neem leaves do not just help skin conditions. The Neem leaves can also help protect clothes. In the summer time village women put away their heavy winter clothes. They have to store them carefully. They will need them next year. However insects are a problem. Moths can damage the clothes. But women in South Asia know what to do. They place Neem leaves between the stored clothes. Moths and other insects do not like the smell of the leaves. They stay away.
Voice 2

Village people also make a drink out of the Neem leaves. This is used to treat diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a major medical problem in many communities. Diarrohea is when solid body waste becomes, well- not solid. Diarrohea is sometimes caused by small creatures - worms. The worms enter the body in unclean food or uncooked meat. Experts at the WHO say that diarrhoea is a leading cause of child death in the world. Young children are at high risk. But the people of South Asia know that the Neem tree can help in these cases. Village people boil the Neem leaves and make a liquid. The liquid does not taste good. But drinking it often stops the diarrhoea. It also helps to kill the worms.
Voice 1

People have found hundreds of different uses for the Neem tree. They often use it as a tool to clean between teeth. Village people break off a small part of the tree. They put one end of the stick in their mouths. They bite the end until it becomes soft. Then they use this end to clean between their teeth. The Neem is a natural antiseptic. It helps to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. In this way it protects the teeth from damage.
Voice 2

The people of South Asia have known about the Neem for centuries. But now expert scientists are also interested in its qualities. The experts are especially interested in Neem tree oil. Pressing the seeds of the Neem tree produces the oil. This oil contains Azadirachtin. Azadirachtin is an important natural pesticide and fungicide. People can use it to destroy pests such as unwanted insects and moulds. These pests often attack food crops and destroy them. Azadirachtin can also fight bacteria and viruses - the organisms that cause harmful diseases to people.

Voice 1

Doctor Ramesh Saxena is head of the Neem Foundation in India. He has used Neem as a natural pesticide in South Asia, the Philippines, East Africa and Australia. He believes that Neem may be useful across the world. It may be able to help prevent diseases like malaria. A parasite causes the malaria disease. A parasite is a very small organism that can enter the body. An insect carries the parasite that causes malaria. The insect is a particular kind of mosquito. It bites people. It then feeds on their blood. In this way the parasite can pass from the mosquito into the human blood system.
Voice 2

A natural pesticide such as Azadirachtin may be useful in the battle against malaria. People often use chemical pesticides created by industry for this purpose. But Azadirachtin is a natural substance. It comes from a tree. Many experts believe that it could be better for the environment.
Voice 1

Many large companies would like the only or exclusive right to sell this natural pesticide. Large profits are possible. An exclusive right would prevent other companies from also making money from the Neem. But should anyone be able to claim ownership of the Neem and its natural pesticide? Doctor Vandana Shiva is a leading Indian Environmentalist. He claims that no one person or company can have rights to this ancient knowledge. Doctor Shiva says that people have used the Neem for centuries as a natural pesticide. He argues that for this reason it is public property. Over the past ten years he has been fighting to protect the Neem.
Voice 2

The government of India has also reacted. It is also working to protect the Neem. Vinod Gupta is in charge of the Traditional Knowledge Digital library. The library is based in Delhi. Here, Vinod and his team record the details of all traditional medicines. They translate ancient writings. They have recorded millions of such medicines. The library acts as a useful information centre. Patent offices around the world use the library. Patent offices have the authority to award ownership rights to companies. But before they give a right or patent they do careful research. To gain a patent a company has to prove that its medicine or process is new. Medicines or cures used by ancient peoples are not new.
Voice 1

Vinod and others hope to protect the medicinal powers of the Neem for everyone to enjoy. Many important Indian scientists support their campaign. They believe that the Neem is Gods gift to the world. Doctor BN Dhawan is a scientist at the Central Drug Research Institute. He says,

Voice 3

I believe it would be terrible if the gains from using the Neem to go to an individual or to a company. I sincerely hope that the Neem will continue to be used by people all over the world without the need to pay a high price to a company.'
Voice 2

The writer of todays programme was Elizabeth Lickiss. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called Neem Tree. Thank you for joining us in todays Spotlight programme. Goodbye

1996 Water Shortages

Voice 1

Hello. I'm Mike Procter.

Voice 2

And I'm Marina Santee. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

Land.
Voice 2

Oil.
Voice 1

Water.
Voice 2

What do these three things have in common? They have all caused conflicts between people and nations. Maybe the most surprising of these is water. After all, water covers more than two thirds of the earth's surface. So, why are one in five people not able to reach enough safe drinking water? The World Resources Institute in Washington, USA, gave a troubling statement. They estimated that in twenty-five [25] years, almost half of the world's population will be short of water.

Voice 1

Experts say that a major factor is the population. The world population is increasing but the water supply is not.
Voice 2

But surely the existing water supply is big enough even for a growing population?
Voice 1

The problem is, much of the earth's water is not easy to use. Around ninety-seven [97] percent of the world's water is salt water. This leaves only three percent of fresh water. Of this, most fresh water is trapped in glaciers - slow moving masses of ice. Fresh water is in lakes, rivers and groundwater reserves. Only one percent of the water on earth is readily useable!
Voice 2

Some experts fear that if the water problem is not solved, serious wars will take place. In particular, they fear for the Middle East.
Voice 1

The main water supply in the Middle East comes from the four rivers - the Euphrates, the Nile, the Tigris and the Jordan. There are also limited supplies from underground lakes. The dams and dividing of the Euphrates are part of the reason for the shortages. The Nile is the world's longest river. Nine countries share its supply. The population of these countries is likely to increase by fifty [50] percent in the next twenty [20] years. Officials in Cairo, Egypt, said they were ready to use force to protect their supply from the River Nile - for their growing population.
Voice 2

The nations of the Middle East have some of the highest birth rates in the world. They are concerned with meeting their increasing water needs. The increase of land farming is a major factor in the water shortages. The crops use a greater percentage of the water supply. Dividing the existing water is difficult. Experts say that the international law on water division needs to be more helpful.
Voice 1

Israel is looking at ways of using the large water supply right on its borders - the Mediterranean Sea. In the year 2000, Israel launched a Desalination Master Plan. The policy involves building a number of seawater plants along the Mediterranean coast. The first of these plants is the Ashkelon plant. Private workers are building the plant on the coast of southern Israel. They are calling it a 'water factory.'

Voice 2

The Ashkelon plant is a desalination plant. It separates salt particles from water particles. The technology is called 'reverse osmosis.' It involves pushing water at a very high pressure through a special kind of fine filter. The filter is a piece of material. It has extremely small holes in it. The chemicals in the salt particles are too big to travel through the fine filter. So they remain on one side. And the water particles go through the filter, to the other side. In this way, the salt separates from the water. All this happens at extremely high pressures. The end result is two separate liquids - clean drinking water and a kind of salt water.
Voice 1

The process of desalination is nothing new. There are desalination plants in the desert of Saudi Arabia. But most of these are coming to the end of their working lives. They have been there since the nineteen seventies. And the plants are extremely costly to manage. They are costly because they need a lot of energy. The desalination process requires high pressures. However engineers at the Ashkelon plant built their own power station. This provides for the energy needs of the whole plant - greatly reducing costs. The Ashkelon plant will be able to produce one hundred million cubic metres of desalinated water a year. This is more than any other plant in the world. It is enough to supply about fifteen percent of Israel's water demand.
Voice 2

Israel is not the only Middle Eastern nation that could gain from the technology. Jordan would need only three Ashkelon plants to make up its water shortages. One idea of obtaining the water involves building a huge pipeline - connecting the Red Sea to the Dead Sea.
Voice 1

The Dead Sea is the world's saltiest body of water. It lies at the lowest point of the earth's surface. Experts in Jordan say that the sea will disappear in fifty years time - unless more water is pumped into it. The surrounding countries are using the water that once supplied it. Experts have proposed piping water from the Red Sea into the Dead Sea. Part of the water could go towards re-filling the Dead Sea. The rest of the water from the pipeline could be cleaned - using the technology Israel is developing. Then, it could supply fresh water to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians. The World Bank is assisting Jordan with its plans. Israel and the Palestinian authorities are also supporting the plans. But the total cost could be billions of dollars.
Voice 2

To solve the water shortage problems, Middle Eastern countries will need to work together. Hazem al-Nasser is the Jordanian Water Minister. He believes that people are willing to work together. He said,

Voice 3

'From our experience, water is an element of peace-building and co-operation. All countries are ready to work together when it comes to water.'
Voice 2

Gustavo Kroneburg is an engineer at the Ashkelon plant. He does not share the same opinion. He said,
Voice 4

'Sadly, water is one of the reasons that create war. Compare the cost of one F-16 fighter jet airplane. It is more or less the same cost of this desalination plant. I believe it will be cheaper to solve conflict based on this kind of plant, than through buying new F-16's.'
Voice 1

People across the world have shared their opinions of the water crisis on the Internet. Here are some of their opinions;
Voice 5

'There are only two problems; too many human beings and too much waste of water everywhere.'
Voice 6

'We in the Middle East suffer from a shortage of clean water. We depend totally on rainfall and water from other countries. Desalination seems to be the solution.'
Voice 7

'The real water problem of the Middle East is not the amount of water. It is the fact that many of the major rivers, like the Euphrates and Jordan, run through hostile countries. The only solution is greater peace here'.
Voice 1

What is the water situation like in your country? Maybe you have ideas about how to improve the situation. Let us know at Spotlight. We would love to use your ideas in a future program. The water crisis threatens the peace of nations. We welcome any ideas that can help people work together to protect the peace of our planet.

Voice 1

The writer and producer of today's programme was Marina Santee. Computer users can find our programmes, on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called, 'Water Shortages.'

1997 Sea Stars

Voice 1

Thank you for joining us for Spotlight! I'm Rebekah Schipper.

Voice 2

And I'm Liz Waid. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live. If you could look deep under the water of the ocean you would see many wonderful creatures. Many people find these creatures in the ocean to be full of mystery. Sometimes the way sea creatures live, eat, and look can amaze us and make us wonder.
Voice 1

Today's Spotlight is about one of these interesting creatures that lives in the ocean - the sea star! This animal is different from you in almost every way!
Voice 2

You probably already know the shape of the sea star from its name. The sea star's name comes from its shape - that of a star. There is a group of nerves in the centre of the sea star. These nerves form a circle. Some nerves grow out from the centre circle. These nerves extend into the sea star's rays, or arms. The sea star usually has five rays that extend from its centre.
Voice 1

Sea stars live in many places! You can find sea stars in oceans all around the world. They are usually orange, yellow-brown or purple. Purple is the colour we get by adding red and blue together. The colour of the sea star depends on what it eats. Sea stars live on the ocean floor between the coast and the deep water. They normally live about eighty [80] metres under the water. But some can live seven thousand [7000] metres under the water!

Voice 2

Experts say that there are about two thousand [2000] different kinds of sea stars. There are small differences between each kind. For example, most sea stars have only five rays. But some can have up to forty rays! And sea stars are all different sizes. But they are normally about twelve [12] to twenty-four [24] centimetres across. So, when we tell about sea stars in this program, we may not be speaking about all sea stars. But we are speaking about most sea stars.
Voice 1

Up close a sea star looks very rough. Bumps, or raised areas, grow out of the sea star's skin. Some of these rough bumps are special tools called pedicellaria. Pedicellaria do many important things for the sea star. They keep the sea star clean. They remove small creatures that try to attach to the sea star. And pedicellaria can also bite larger, attacking animals.
Voice 2

There are other bumps that help the sea star survive. Bumps called papulae are covered with small hairs on the outside and on the inside. These hairs wave all the time. This keeps water moving across and inside a sea star's body - even if the sea star is standing still. That means there is always oxygen near.
Voice 1

Other bumps are called tube feet. Tube feet help the sea star take oxygen from the water and bring it into the sea star's organs. When the organs inside the sea star produce carbon dioxide waste, the tube feet push it into the water.
Voice 2

Hundreds of these small tube feet grow on the bottom of the sea star's rays. The sea star also uses these tube feet to move. To move, the sea star pumps its tube feet full of sea water. Then, muscles inside the tube feet push the water out. These motions of filling and pushing move the sea star through the water.
Voice 1

Sea stars move differently than humans, but they also experience life very differently from humans! They do not really have a sense of sight, smell, or taste. They do not even have a brain! But even though they do not have a brain, sea stars manage hundreds of tube feet on their bodies. They survive very well.
Voice 2

So, how does the sea star use its limited senses to survive? Well, at the end of each ray the sea star has an "eye spot." These eye spots are not anything like the eyes that people have. A sea

star's eye spots cannot see animals or objects in front of them. They can only see light. So, when sea stars use their tube feet to move, they do not exactly know where they are going! They just follow the light!
Voice 1

In fact, sea stars depend very much on light and water levels. When the light is very intense different nerves inside the sea star are "fired up." These nerves tell the sea star's body that it is time to eat, sleep, or move. The nerves also react when they sense that clams, mussels or dead fish are nearby. This signals to the sea star that it should eat.
Voice 2

One of the most interesting things about sea stars is how they eat. Some sea stars eat the organic, or living, particles of food from mud and sand on the bottom of the ocean. Or they find particles of food in the water around them.
Voice 1

But other sea stars eat small animals in the water like barnacles, snails, urchins, mussels and clams. Clams are animals that live in shells. Two hard shells usually protect the clam. But the sea star is able to go directly inside the clam's shell!
Voice 2

To eat a clam, the sea star first surrounds the clam. Then it pulls the clam's shells open a small way with its tube feet. Then the sea star lets its stomach outside of its body! The stomach goes directly into the opening through the clam's shells! Once the stomach is inside the clam, it releases a special liquid. This liquid breaks down the clam inside its own shell. Then, the sea star's stomach takes the remains of the clam back into itself. All that is left is an empty shell.
Voice 1

The sea star is a very interesting animal! But there is one more amazing thing about sea stars. If one of the sea star's arms, or rays, is damaged or even cut off, the sea star can grow a completely new ray! Normally, a large part of the sea star must remain for regrowth to happen. But some kinds of sea stars can grow another completely new body from only a single damaged ray! That is amazing!
Voice 2

The earth is full of amazing creatures. And every animal has a purpose. When people learn about the earth and animals, they will protect them and be more thankful for them. The sea star is only one of many amazing creatures on the earth.

Voice 1

The writer and producer of this program was Liz Waid. Computer users can hear these programs, read our scripts, and see our word list on our website at www.Radio.English.net. This program is called "Sea Stars."
Voice 2

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. If you have a comment or question you can email us! Tell us about animals YOU think are interesting. Our email address is Radio @ English DOT net. We hope you can join us again for the next Spotlight program. Goodbye!

2002

Death Customs
Voice 1

Hello. I'm Marina Santee

Voice 2

And I'm Elizabeth Lickiss. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

Imagine a warm summer's day in England. You are on a hill, high above an old seaside town called St. Ives. All the people from the town are here. The town officials are wearing their best clothes. Near you is a tall stone column. A man plays happy music on a violin. Ten little girls dance around the column. They are all in white clothes. They sing a song of praise to God.
Voice 2

Next, there is a ceremony. One of the officials presents each little girl with some money. He also gives money to the man who played the music. Then the official calls forward the family with the most children. The official presents money to the father. Next comes a girl who has married during the last seven months. And then several people who do their jobs especially well. They all receive gifts of money. You wonder 'What is happening? What is it all about?'
Voice 1

This strange ceremony happens only once every five years, and only in this town. The ceremony is called the Knillian Games. It takes its name from the man who started it - John Knill. John Knill lived in St Ives town in the eighteenth century. He was an important member of the community. He was afraid that people would forget about him after he died.

Voice 2

So John Knill built a column of stone, fifteen metres high. And he planned a ceremony that would happen every five years, after his death. But he could not wait for it to start! He held the first ceremony ten years before he died! That was more than two hundred years ago. But the Knillian Games still happen in the same place, just as John Knill planned that they should. Thousands of people now come to watch this strange ceremony. John Knill got just what he wanted - to be remembered after his death.
Voice 1

Not many people create their own memorial in the way John Knill did. But people everywhere use things that they can see to help them remember people who have died. The country of Egypt still has many statues of the kings who ruled thousands of years ago. And in many cultures today people use a picture. They put it at the place where the dead person is buried. The picture almost always shows the person in the very best of health. It is how their family and friends want to remember the one they loved.
Voice 2

Some traditions are less general. In many countries, people wear black clothes when they are mourning. But in some cultures people wear the opposite - white. In some places it is normal for some people to cut off all their hair. In other places, the people let their hair grow. They do not care about how they look while they are mourning. In some parts of the world people are afraid that evil spirits will come to trouble the family of the dead person. To avoid this, the people may offer the evil spirits food to keep them happy. Or they may light candles and keep them burning near the dead body to keep the evil spirits away.
Voice 1

Most people want to cry when they are mourning someone they love. Some traditions encourage this. They even use special singers to help people to cry. But other traditions expect a 'brave' face in public. In situations like this, crying should only happen at home, in private.
Voice 2

People of every culture show respect for the body of a dead person. And when the time for the funeral comes, people honour the memory of the dead person and speak kind words about them. Friends try to help the family of the dead person by bringing food or staying in the house with them.
Voice 1

Many customs have developed to help people who are mourning. But some customs have a different purpose. These customs have developed to help the spirit of the dead person after it has left the body. For example, some tribal people bury things with the dead person. They believe that the dead person can use these things in the next world.
Voice 2

Customs like these raise some questions. Is there any way to know if there is a life after this one - and if so, what would it be like? Or will the spirit of the dead person be lost for ever? Or will it be born again in the body of a new baby? Or ... what?
Voice 1

Different religions and cultures have developed different customs because they have answered these questions in different ways. Some people believe that the spirit has a long way to travel before it reaches the after life. Other people feel that the spirit stays near its family for several days after death. And some people think that the spirit searches for a new human body in which to live again. They believe this search may take a long time. If the spirit cannot find a human body, it may live again in the body of an animal.
Voice 2

Who can tell? Has anyone ever come back from the dead? Were they able to describe what the after life was like?
Voice 1

There are many stories about people who have died for a short time and then come back to life. But these people do not seem able to tell us much about the after life. And all of them died again some time later in their lives.
Voice 2

Except for Jesus Christ. The Christian Bible says that Jesus came back to life about three days after he was killed. Weeks after that he left this earth, but without dying. And he is still alive today! The Bible teaches that Jesus came from God to live on earth. After he was raised from the dead he went back to live with God, in heaven. Christians are followers of Jesus. They believe that after their physical death, they will live with Jesus forever. The Bible says that Jesus told his followers:
Voice 3

'Do not let your hearts be worried. You believe in God, believe also in me. There are many rooms in heaven. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.'
Voice 2

Jesus said those words two thousand years ago. Today, they still bring great peace and joy to Christians all over the world.
Voice 1

The writer of today's programme was Joy Smith. The producer was Elizabeth Lickiss. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes, read our scripts and see our wordbook at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called 'Death Customs'.
Voice 2

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. You can reach us by email. Our address is radio @ english .net. Thank you for joining us in today's Spotlight programme. Goodbye.

2005

Special People
Voice 1

Hello. Im Christy VanArragon.

Voice 2

And Im Elizabeth Lickiss. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

Some scientists are studying something very strange. It is something they have never seen before. They are studying five young adults who cannot walk upright. They bend over and use their hands and their feet in order to move along. The scientists want to find out why these people cannot stand up straight. Some of the scientists believe they are sick. Other scientists have a different theory.

Voice 2

These five people are members of the Ulas family. They live in Turkey. Their parents had nineteen children. Most of them learned to walk in the usual way. But three girls and a boy have never been able to stand up straight or to walk. Another girl can stand for a short time. She can walk a few steps but she also uses her hands and her feet.
Voice 1

Since early in the year 2005, scientists and doctors have been studying this family. The five young people have spent time in hospital. They have had many medical tests. They have other problems as well as their difficulty with walking. They have very limited language. They are unable to count from one to ten. And the different parts of their bodies do not co-operate well with one another. But what is causing these problems? There has been much discussion and disagreement about them. Did they just lack good food and the right kind of care when they were babies? Or are their problems genetic?
Voice 2

The scientists discovered that these five young people suffer from a rare genetic condition. It is called cerebellar hypoplasia. This condition is caused by a group of damaged genes. The damaged genes prevent an important part of the brain from developing. It is the part of the brain that affects how the parts of the body co-operate with each other.
Voice 1

Some scientists think that the damaged genes may be the ones that cause human beings to walk on two legs. If that is true, it would explain why the five young people cannot walk normally. These scientists think that other genes may have started working instead of the damaged genes. The scientists suggest that these genes are older. They may be the genes that cause animals to walk on all four legs. They think that these genes could have existed in our ancient ancestors. Some scientists are saying that these five young people of the Ulas family represent a missing link with our ancestors. Uner Tan, a Turkish scientist, believes they are like a model. He thinks they demonstrate how human beings developed.
Voice 2

Mr and MrsUlas have had many difficulties. They have struggled to care for their large family. The people who live near them have been hostile towards them. They drive the five young people away when they see them. These local people do not like the Ulas children because their behaviour is different from normal.

Voice 1

All parents want their children to be loved and accepted. The Ulas parents are no different. MrUlas said, I would give everything I have to help my children walk normally. Mr and MrsUlas were very unhappy when they heard what the scientists were suggesting. They were angry that these scientists seemed to be saying their children were not really human.
Voice 2

But other scientists explain the problem in a completely different way. Dr Stephen Jones is a professor of genetics at University College London. He agrees that the problem is genetic in origin. But he says, You cannot say that because people walk on their hands and feet they must represent a link to animals such as apes. Dr. Jones believes that other facts combined with the genetic problem. He thinks the two things together have caused the sad condition of the Ulas children.
Voice 1

Mr and MrsUlas are very close relations. Two people like that can be in danger of producing unhealthy children. MrsUlas had seven children in the space of five years. It is possible that this would cause the children to be weak. The Ulas family live far away from a town or a city. There was no-one to help their sick children when they were born. These facts could easily explain why these young people have suffered such tragic lives.
Voice 2

The scientists continue to argue over the case. It raises very important questions and they cannot agree about the answers. A team of scientists from Germany believes there is one main difference between humans and animals. It is the fact that humans can walk on two legs. These scientists say that this is what really defines a human being. Other scientists believe there is much more to being human than that.
Voice 1

The Bible teaches that God created people to be special, and separate from the animals. This is something more than the way we walk. The Bible says that God made people to be like himself. He gave them the same qualities that he has. The Bible calls it being made in the image of God.
Voice 2

People love other people and show kindness and care. This is a quality from God. The Bible says God is love. And to some degree, all people desire to know God. This shows that human nature is spiritual. The image of God in us searches for the God who made us.

Voice 1

Christians believe that every person is made in the image of God, even people who have minds or bodies that do not work normally. But the Bible teaches that the image was ruined when humans rebelled against God, and started to sin. Only one person has ever truly represented the image of God and that is Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus Christ never sinned. He came to the world in order to repair that ruined image. Jesus begins to recreate the image of God in the life of any person who believes in Jesus as the way back to God.
Voice 2

The scientists will continue to discuss the issues surrounding the Ulas family. They will probably continue to disagree! But their interest has already brought the family help. Doctors are working with the young people to improve both their speech and their walking. The worst affected child is a boy called Hussein. He hated not being able to walk upright. He was angry and very unhappy. But Hussein began using a device on wheels. It supported him while he learned to walk. After much effort, he can now stand up and walk alone. He is a happy man! Life is getting better for Hussein, his sisters and the whole Ulas family.
Voice 1

The writer of todays programme was Joy Smith. The producer was Elizabeth Lickiss. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom and the United States. You can find this programme on our website: www.radio.english.net. This programme is called Special People.

2006

Wind Power
Voice 1

Hello. I'm Marina Santee.

Voice 2

And I'm Elizabeth Lickiss. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

What is the one thing you could not do without? You can probably think of many things. But there is one thing that the world depends on: energy. In many countries people use energy

without even thinking about it. We heat our homes with energy. We use some form of energy to cook our food. We use energy to travel and communicate. For most of these jobs we depend on fossil fuel energy: coal, oil and natural gas. Scientists say that fossils are the remains of plants and animals that died hundreds of millions of years ago. Over time, the remains have produced the fossil fuels. They supply much of the world's energy today.
Voice 2

But we cannot use fossil fuels forever. There is not an endless supply of them. We cannot 'renew' fossil fuels. Many people are also concerned about the environment. Our current use of energy causes acid rain, climate change and more. Such things threaten the future of our planet. So energy suppliers are trying to reduce the use of fossil fuels. They are trying to use renewable kinds of energy.
Voice 1

Most renewable energy comes from the sun. It comes directly, or by wind or moving water, or from fast growing plants. It is also called 'sustainable' energy. There is not a limited supply of renewable energy. And it does not pollute the air. Let us take a closer look at one form of renewable energy - wind energy.
Voice 2

People have used energy from the wind for hundreds of years. In the seventh century, the Persians made these simple devices. Persian mills looked like revolving doors, the kind of doors that turn around and around as you enter a large hotel. If you can imagine the wind blowing the doors around, you get the idea of a Persian windmill. The Persians made the 'doors' from reed plants, so they were not heavy. They fixed a grind-stone to the bottom of the doors, so this machine could grind corn and other grain.
Voice 1

Centuries later, people in France and England began using windmills. They used them to pump water and grind grain. The windmills spread to other areas of Europe. This was in the late twelfth and thirteenth century. It was the Europeans who developed windmills further. The mills no longer looked like revolving doors. They used sails, like we see on windmills today. These turned round fast in the wind. People could use the windmills to cut wood, tobacco, and press flaxseed oil.
Voice 2

People developed the windmills more over the next five hundred years. They used wood or stone to build the tower. They shaped the edges of the blades to move better through the air. And they created air brakes. Air brakes prevent the sails from going round too fast in strong winds.

Voice 1

In the nineteenth century American farming communities used the American farm windmill. These windmills pumped water from deep underground. Then came the world's most successful farm windmill - the Aermotor. This used sheet metal 'sails.' It worked much faster and better than the other windmills. People still use this American water-pump windmill today.
Voice 2

Denmark was the first country to produce the wind turbine. A wind turbine produces electricity. By nineteen ten turbines were producing electricity in many European countries. In the nineteen thirties interest in electric lighting and other powered devices grew. This led to further developments. However, the demands of industry made fossil fuels more popular. And the development of wind power slowed down.
Voice 1

The oil crisis of the 1970's changed things. Many countries launched programmes to develop better wind turbines. In the 1980's and 90's design and material technologies developed. Wind turbines gained from these developments. On average, each one of today's large wind turbines has a power output of eighteen hundred kilowatts. That is enough power for the needs of a small community. Wind farms can provide power for several thousand houses!
Voice 2

A wind farm has many wind turbines. These are spread out over a large area of land. The turbines need to be thirty metres or more above the ground. This is so they can catch the fast wind. A wind farm can use thousands of square metres of land. But crops can still grow on the land. Owners of wind farms have to choose their land carefully. They must consider how much the wind blows. The wind needs to turn the turbines fast enough to produce electricity. And the land also needs to be close enough to electricity transmission wires. So how does a wind turbine change wind into electricity?
Voice 1

Turbines catch the wind's energy using blades. The blades work in a similar way to airplane wings. The wind blows over the blades. Air pressure and force causes the blades to lift and turn. The blades are supported by a rotor hub. The rotor hub turns a shaft. The shaft is the part that drives the electricity generator, or creator. The generator turns the wind energy into electric power.

Voice 2

In wind farms, all the electricity feeds into the public electricity system, or grid. So it travels long distances over high-powered lines, reaching whole communities far away. In other places, far from towns, much smaller turbines can produce enough power for individual homes.
Voice 1

The good thing about wind turbines is that they do not pollute the atmosphere with harmful gases. Wind turbines are also a proven technology. We know they work.
Voice 2

One environmental concern with turbines is the safety of birds. Birds could fly into the turbines. However, bird experts say that wind farms are not dangerous to birds if they are built in the right places, places where birds do not gather in especially large numbers. Some people who live close to wind farms argue that the turbines make too much noise, and do not look nice. But the turbine makers say that modern turbines are very quiet.
Voice 1

One technical problem is that wind does not always blow. Wind speeds change. During periods of low winds wind turbines cannot produce electricity. For this reason, operators often do not like to depend on wind power as their only energy supply. The European Union energy department is supporting projects to develop wind power. Wind power now makes up only a small percentage of our total energy usage. But the EU energy department says that the wind industry could provide over ten percent of the world's future electricity needs. The EU is working to develop other sustainable, or 'renewable' forms of energy power. Their aim is to, 'develop sustainable energy systems and services for Europe.' And to 'add to sustainable development worldwide.' In some other Spotlight programmes we will tell of more ways to create power from sustainable energy supplies.
Voice 2

The writer and producer of today's programme was Marina Santee. Computer users can find our programmes on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called, 'Wind Power.'

2007

Rap Music
Voice 1 Thank you for joining us for today's Spotlight program. I'm Bryan Van Haitsma. Voice 2 And I'm Liz Waid. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live. On today's Spotlight we will talk about a particular kind of music called "rap music." Voice 1 Rap is a form of music in which a person speaks quickly, clearly and loudly. He speaks over music. And usually the music uses electronic sounds. That is, it does not sound like traditional music. Here is an example of rap music. Voice 2 People may think that rapping is very easy. But rapping is really very difficult. Rappers need to know how to use rhythm and rhyme. In fact, much Rap music depends a LOT on these two ideas. Voice 1 Rhythm is very important to a lot of music. To understand what rhythm is, a person can listen to a heart beat. A heart beat keeps a simple rhythm. But people can use drums and other instruments in music to create more complex rhythms. Voice 2 Rappers must have a very good sense of rhythm. They must feel the rhythm inside them. They create, control and react to the rhythm through the whole song. Voice 1 And rhyming is a special way to use words. Words that rhyme often have endings that sound similar. For example, the words "cat" and "hat" rhyme. Rhyming helps a rap song sound better, and more complete. It also helps a person keep a rhythm. Rap songs usually

have many rhymes. Writing good rhymes can be very difficult. So, people who write rap songs are usually very good writers. Voice 2 But when people think about rap music, they may think of a life of crime. Sometimes, rap music talks about violence that young people face. Many songs even talk about beating women, selling drugs, killing enemies with guns, going to jail, and other terrible things. Sometimes rap music makes a life of crime sound good. It seems to make criminals look good. Some people believe that this might encourage young people to do illegal things. Voice 1 Some rappers become involved with illegal activities. And some of them go to jail. But many young people, especially boys, look at rappers as models. They try to copy the actions of the rappers they like. For this reason, many people do not approve of rap music. They believe it sends a bad message to young people. Voice 2 Many people also do not believe that rap music is real music. Many people believe that Rap music is just a kind of violent talking. They do not believe that anyone can like rap music. What do you think? Do you think this kind of music is evil? Do you think a form of music that often speaks of bad things can ever be good? Voice 1 Well, not all rappers encourage violence. In fact, some rappers rap about God. They rap about problems in the world. And they rap about solving these problems. They rap about accepting people of different races. They rap about being Christian. Voice 2 The GRITS are a Christian Rap group. The name GRITS, G-R-I-T-S, stands for Grammatical Revolution In The Spirit. There are two men in this group. Their rap names are "Coffee" and "Bonafide." About fifteen years ago they formed a rap group. They believed that God led them to each other. They believed that God wanted them to form a group to rap about being a Christian. Voice 1

So, Coffee and Bonafide write rap music for Christians. They study the Bible. They use ideas from the Bible to teach people about good ways to live. They use these ideas from the Bible to rap about issues that young people often think about. Then, they talk about their own experiences about being a Christian in the world. They are very happy with their music because they believe that they are giving a good message to young people. Voice 2 Bonafide says that rap music is a voice. He means that rap music can say things in a different way than people usually think about. Voice 1 Coffee and Bonafide say that they believe people will listen to their music if they tell the truth. They tell people about real life. They tell people about God's truth. Voice 2 And Christians are not the only people who listen to the rap of GRITS. The GRITS often perform their rap music with other groups. Some of these groups are very famous. And some of these groups are not Christian groups. This means that people who may not be Christian can also listen to the good message in GRITS's rap music. Coffee and Bonafide are happy that they can spread their message to so many people. But most of all, Coffee and Bonafide believe that God led them to this position where they can speak to people. They believe they are praising God with their music. Voice 1 The Bible tells people that praising God is very important. Here are some verses from the Bible that talk about praising God: Voice 3 Psalm 150 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his holy temple. Praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his powerful acts. Praise him because he is greater than anything else. Praise him by blowing trumpets. Praise him with harps and lyres. Praise him with tambourines and dancing.

Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes. Praise him with crashing cymbals. Let everything (everything) (everything) that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord. Voice 2 These verses do not tell people exactly one way to praise. Instead, the Bible suggests many different ways that people can give praise. They can praise God with any kind of instrument! They can praise God in any place! They can praise God at any time! In fact, the Bible says that anything that breathes can and should praise God! Voice 1 It does not matter how a person praises God. It only matters that they are truly praising God in the best way that they know. God wants people to enjoy praising him. He wants them to use the gifts and talents he has given them. If they have gifts in music, they should play, sing, or even rap their praises to him. Voice 2 Christians believe that God can use everything in the world for good. That is even true for rap music. Many rap songs seem to encourage people to do things that God does not like. But rappers can also use their music to reach people. They can praise God with their rapping. Many people can give glory and praise to God through this special form of music. Voice 1 This program was written and produced by Liz Waid. Computer users can hear more programs on our website at www .Radio .English .net. This program is called "Rap Music." Voice 2 If you have a comment or question about this program you can email us at Radio @ English .net. Or you can tell us about your favourite kind of music! We hope you can join us again for Spotlight. Goodbye!

2011

Stardust
Voice 1

Thank you for joining us for todays Spotlight program. Im Mike Procter.
Voice 2

And Im Rebekah Schipper. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 3

We travelled about five thousand million [5,000,000,000] kilometres in space. We visited a comet. We took pieces of it. And they landed on Earth this morning.
Voice 4

I fully expect school books in the future will have a lot of new information from the samples that landed here this morning.
Voice 2

On Sunday January fifteen [15], 2006 a very special container arrived back to earth from space. This container travelled a total of four thousand six hundred million kilometres [4,600,000,000]. It had been in space for seven [7] years!
Voice 1

Todays Spotlight is on the Stardust space vehicle. The Stardust collected materials from space. Scientists were very happy to see the Stardust return to earth. They were excited to study the materials collected inside. Why do scientists believe these materials are so important?
Voice 2

NASA, the United States space program, began building the Stardust in 1994. It took five [5] years to build. NASA engineers sent it into space in February, 1999.
Voice 1

The Stardust vehicle is small. It weighs only about three hundred and fifty [350] kilograms. During its time in space, the Stardust carried a special container. Inside the special container was a very special material. Scientists call this material aerogel.

Voice 2

Scientists make aerogel by mixing together four different chemicals. The chemicals react together and form a wet, soft substance. Then scientists put the substance under a lot of heat and pressure. The final result is a very dry, very fine, soft material, like a sponge. It is blue. And it is very light. That is because aerogel is over ninety-nine [99] percent porous - ninety-nine percent just holes!
Voice 1

The fact that aerogel is so porous is very important. In fact, it is the reason why NASA chose to use this material for the Stardust project. You see, aerogel can capture materials in its centre.
Voice 2

The purpose of the Stardust was to explore a comet. A comet is a small object that circles the sun. Stardust was the first NASA project designed to return materials from outside of the moons orbit.
Voice 1

NASA wanted the Stardust to cross paths with a particular comet named Comet Wild Two. However, the comet was moving very fast and it was very far away! But the scientists were prepared for that. By using mathematics they were able to time exactly when the Stardust and the comet would meet. Their plan was to have the Stardust orbit the sun three [3] times. On its third time around the Stardust and Comet Wild Two would cross paths. The Stardust would then be travelling at the same speed as Comet Wild Two.
Voice 2

The Stardust and the comet had to be travelling at the same speeds. If the comet had been travelling faster, the comets particles would hit the Stardust. Small, fast-moving particles could have easily destroyed the Stardust. But if the Stardust had been travelling faster than the comet, it would have passed the comet by. It would not have been able to gather the materials the scientists wanted.
Voice 1

It took years for the Stardust to reach Comet Wild Two. In January of 2004 the Stardust finally crossed paths with the comet.
Voice 2

So, why did scientist choose Comet Wild Two? Well, it is because they believe that this comet is over four billion [4,000,000,000] years old! Weather and pressure have changed the shapes and the faces of planets. But comets are frozen. Comets are made of frozen ice and dust. They mainly

fly outside of the Solar System. Scientists believe that comets are the most unchanged bodies in space. So, scientists hope that particles collected from Comet Wild Two will explain more about the beginning of the universe.
Voice 1

The aerogel in the Stardust was able to collect particles from the comet. And on January 15 2006 those particles arrived here on earth, four [4] years after the Stardust collected them. What a journey!
Voice 2

A team of scientists opened the Stardust container. They were surprised by what they found. The aerogel was able to capture over one million [1,000,000] pieces of material! Professor Brownlee of the University of Washington is one of the lead scientists for the Stardust. He said,
Voice 3

(The Stardust) is a huge success. We can see lots of impacts into the aerogel. There are big ones and there are small ones. One impact is almost large enough to put your little finger into it.
Voice 1

One hundred fifty [150] scientists all over the world are waiting for their chance to study these materials.
Voice 2

These materials are the first of their kind to return to Earth from space. Scientists believe that molecules from the space dust will be the same as molecules found on earth. They also believe that the space molecules will be the same as some molecules found in the human body. Scientists say that these materials will give evidence about the beginning of our Solar System.
Voice 1

Some people fear the results from the Stardust study. They fear that scientists will say that human life may exist outside of Earth. If human life exists in other places, then humans would not be special. But Brownlee does not believe humans exist anywhere else. He believes that the conditions are perfect for life only on Earth. So, Earth, along with the people on it, is unique.
Voice 2

Brownlee has spent many years studying dust from space. He believes this dust holds secrets to the beginnings of the universe. He believes that the origins of people are in dust.

Voice 1

Christians use similar language. They believe that people are special. And they believe that the earth is special too. The Bible shares that God created the earth. And then it says: Then the Lord God formed a man. He made him out of the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into him. And the man became a living person.
Voice 2

The Bible is not a science book. The Bible is the story of God and man. Both science and religion have something to say about where we came from. Science can be used to describe how. Science helps us understand how things work. But, religion helps us to understand who. Who made us? The Bible is clear in its message that God made us. In the Bible one prophet says: God, you created the deepest parts of my being. You put me together inside my mothers body. How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that.
Voice 1

The writer and producer for todays program was Rebekah Schipper. Computer users can hear Spotlight programs and read their scripts at www.radio.english.net. This program is called Stardust. What do you think about the Stardust study? We enjoy your comments. You can email us at radio @ english .net.

2012

Spanish Language Poet Pablo Neruda

Voice 1 Thank you for joining us for Spotlight! Im Rebekah Schipper. Voice 2 And Im Liz Waid. Voice 3 It is Born "Here I came to the very edge where nothing at all needs saying,

everything is absorbed* through weather and the sea, and the moon swam back, its rays* all silvered, and time and again the darkness would be broken by the crash of a wave, and every day on the balcony* of the sea, wings open, fire is born, and everything is blue again, like morning." [Pablo Neruda; translated by Alastair Reed] Voice 2 What did you think of when you heard this poem? Could you hear the waves crashing against the sandy shore? Could you see the silver moon? Could you see the beautiful blue colour it speaks of? This poem talks about the birth of fire. Could you imagine fire being born on the sea? Voice 1 This poem is by a man named Pablo Neruda. He was a Spanish language poet from Chile. Neruda wrote many poems. Some were poems about history. Sometimes a historical poem told a very long story. Sometimes it demanded change in society. Neruda was also very interested in politics. So, he wrote poems about politics. He wrote emotional and sexual love poems. They were very popular. And he also wrote poems about common things in life - like nature and the sea. Todays Spotlight is on the life and poems of Pablo Neruda. Voice 2 Pablo Neruda was born in 1904, in Chile. Even as a young boy, he was always interested in literature and writing. In fact, he started writing poetry when he was only ten [10] years old. A local daily newspaper first published Nerudas writing. He was only thirteen [13] years old! Voice 1 In 1920, he began to use a pseudonym, or false name, in his writing. You see, Pablo Neruda was born as Ricardo EliecerNeftal Reyes Basoalto. But Nerudas father did not approve of his sons writing. So, Neruda used a false name to hide his writing from his

family. He had great respect for a Czech writer named Jan Neruda. So, he used part of her name in his new name. Voice 2 In 1923 Neruda published his first set of poems. It was called Book of Twilights" ["Crepusculario"]. And in 1924, Neruda published his second set of poems. It was called Twenty Love Poems And A Song of Despair" ["Veintepoemas de amor y unaconcindesesperada"]. Some people thought these poems were too erotic, or sexual. But they were very popular. Here is part of one of the poems. Voice 3 "I can write the saddest lines tonight. Write for example: The night is (broken) and the stars, blue, shiver* in the distance ... On nights like these I held her in my arms I kissed her so many times under the (endless) sky. ... I can write the saddest lines tonight. To think I (do not) have her, to feel I have lost her. ..." [Pablo Neruda; Excerpt from From - Twenty Poems of Love] Voice 1 Each book was translated into many languages. And they remain popular even today! People all around the world have bought over a million [1,000,000] copies of Twenty Love Songs And A Song of Despair since it first appeared. Voice 2 During his life, Neruda travelled all around the world. He lived in other countries as a representative for Chile. He worked for the government to earn money. But he also continued writing. And he experimented with different kinds of poetry. Voice 1

During the 1930s, Neruda was working in Spain. Spain was experiencing a civil war. Neruda saw the effects of war there. The people had suffered. It was at this time that he became very interested in politics. He writes: Voice 3 "... Then one morning flames* Came out of the ground (Eating) human beings. From then on fire, Gunpowder from then on, From then on blood. ... I have seen the blood of Spain rise up against you to drown you in a single wave of pride and knives! ... Come See the blood along the streets Come see The blood along the streets Come see the blood Along the streets! [Pablo Neruda; Excerpt from Ill Explain Some Things] Voice 2 When Neruda began writing, his poems were about many different things. But now, his poetry turned toward more political subjects. Voice 1 One of Nerudas most famous and political poems is called Canto General, or General Song. It was made up of almost two hundred fifty [250] poems in fifteen [15] different parts. It told about much of South American history. It even told about the land and plants. But most of all Canto General demanded social justice for all people. It was translated into many different languages. And it is one of Nerudas finest works.

Voice 2 One of the poems of Canto General is called Alturas de Macchu Picchu, or The Heights of Macchu Picchu. In 1943 Neruda went to Peru. There he saw the ancient Incan remains of Macchu Picchu. He felt encouraged to write a poem about the place. The poem was made up of twelve [12] different parts. In the poem, he wrote about the beauty of the remains. But he also told of the slaves that helped to build the structure. In the poem, Neruda invited the dead slaves to come back to life. He said that he would be their voice. Voice 3 I come to speak for your dead mouths. Throughout the earth let dead lips* (come together) ... And tell me everything, tell chain by chain, and link by link, and step by step; ... Speak through my speech, and through my blood. [Pablo Neruda; Excerpt from Canto XII from The Heights of Macchu Picchu] Voice 2 This poem also encouraged interest in the ancient people of South America - like the Incans. Voice 1 In 1971 Neruda won the Nobel Prize for writing. Some people debated if he should win. They did not agree with his political beliefs. And the government of Chile did not always like his work and ideas. But other people worked hard to make sure Neruda received the award. They believed his writing was special. Voice 2 Neruda retired to Casa de Isle Negra, his house on the Black Island. He loved this home because he loved the sea. This is where he wrote the poem we read in the beginning of this program - It is Born. He died of leukaemia in 1973. But his poetry still lives. People visit Casa de Isle Negra every year.

Voice 1 Over the years, Nerudas poetry has inspired many people. He used his ability to write and improve peoples lives. Voice 3 And it was at that age ... Poetry arrived in search of me. I dont know. I dont know where it came from, from winter or a river. I dont know how or when, no, they were not voices, they were not words, nor silence, but from a street I was (called), from the branches of night (suddenly) from the others, among violent fires or returning along, there I was without a face and it touched me. ... [Pablo Neruda; Excerpt from Poetry.] Voice 2 The poems in this program were translated by a few different writers. For more information or to hear more Spotlight programs please visit our website at www.radio.english.net. This program is called Spanish Language Poet Pablo Neruda. Voice 1 You can also email us at radio @ english .net. We hope you can join us again for the next Spotlight program. Goodbye!

2013

Spider's Web
Voice 1

Hello. I'm Marina Santee.

Voice 2

And I'm Elizabeth Lickiss. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

It is stronger than steel.

Voice 2

It is more difficult to break than rubber.

Voice 1

It is one of the strongest natural substances.

Voice 2

Yet it comes from just a small creature.

Voice 1

The spider.
Voice 2

The spider is not the world's most popular creature. In fact, it is probably one of the most disliked creatures. Many people are even afraid of spiders! But, what is it that people do not like about spiders? Most house spiders are not even very big. And very few spiders ever grow bigger than the size of an adult's hand. Maybe it is their eight long hairy legs that people do not like. Or, maybe it is the way they move quickly across the floor. Or, maybe it is their dark colours and small shiny eyes. Or it may simply be that they are not particularly beautiful creatures. Of course some are poisonous and it does make sense to be careful around them. And it may be that people cannot tell one sort of spider from the other.
Voice 1

Well, no matter how you feel about spiders, they are still very wonderful creatures. One of the most amazing things about spiders is what they produce - silk!
Voice 2

When you think of silk you most likely imagine beautiful silk clothes. The silk industry is huge. The soft, fine material is very popular. In the past only royal people wore silk. And it is still

costly material today. However this kind of silk does not come from spiders. Some of it is manmade. And some of it comes from silkworms. These small insects are easy to farm. So industries can mass-produce the silk. But it is not so easy with spiders. Try putting a group of spiders together. The result will be one surviving spider - the strongest one! The rest will be dead! The spider's nature is to kill. This is how it survives. And the spider uses fine silk pieces to build a special 'insect capture' - a web.
Voice 1

Spiders produce different kinds of silk substances called 'proteins'. Spiders 'weave' or 'spin' these silk proteins to make their webs. They turn the protein into long thin pieces of silk. Spiders create different kinds of silk for different parts of their webs. They use sticky silk to weave the top part of their web. This is the part that helps them catch insects for food. Spiders make the main structure of the web from Dragline silk. Dragline silk is one of the strongest natural substances on the earth!
Voice 2

This sounds a little strange at first. How could a spider's silk be so strong? Imagine a spider's web. Sometimes they are so fine that we do not even see them. It is easy to accidentally walk through a hanging spiders web! The web is so thin it moves around in the wind. Spider's silk is one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. Who would have known it could be so strong?
Voice 1

People discovered the strength of spider silk many years ago. The tribal people in the South Pacific used spiders' webs. They used them to make fishing lines and nets to catch fish. In the past, people have also used spider webs to make clothing that protected them in the rain.
Voice 2

Over the past two hundred [200] years scientists have studied spider silk. They have tried to find ways to mass-produce the silk. But so far they have not succeeded. Scientists have also tried to identify and single out the 'silk gene' in spiders. They hoped that they may be able to reproduce it. So far, the scientists have had limited success. But, if they want to follow the nature of the spider - they will keep trying.
Voice 1

What do you mean by that? What is a spider's nature?

Voice 2

Well, a spider's nature is just like their silk - strong! In fact, some old writings say that the spider's nature has encouraged great kings! One of these Kings was Robert the Bruce. In the

early fourteenth Century the Scottish army fought with England for control of Scotland. King Edward the first of England led a strong army. They defeated Bruce and his army in battle.
Voice 1

The story of Bruce and the spider is famous in England and Scotland. But no one knows if it is true or not. The story says that after the Scottish defeat, Robert escaped. He ran and hid in an opening in the hills. Bruce was very troubled in his mind and spirit. The English army had defeated the Scots in battle. And Bruce felt defeated in his mind too. It was the lowest point of his life. He considered leaving the country - and not returning. He lay on the ground. And he looked up. His eyes fell on a spider at the entrance. It was weaving its web. The spider had almost finished. It just needed to hang the last silk piece. Bruce watched the spider try. The long silk piece kept falling. The spider made six failed attempts. On the seventh, it succeeded. The web hung, complete. Bruce said,
Voice 3

'Now shall this spider teach me what I am to do, for I also have failed six times.'
Voice 1

Bruce stood up. He returned to his army. He gathered together some more followers. He told his men, 'If at first you do not succeed, try try again.' Bruce and his army won their next battle.'
Voice 2

A spider's web is much stronger than it looks. And a spider's nature is to never stop trying. A small spider and its web may have encouraged Robert the Bruce. Who would have thought that a king could learn so much from one of nature's most disliked creatures? Nature is full of surprises like this.
Voice 1

The business of life often does not give much time to look around us. But the world of nature is producing some wonderful things, often right in front of us! The spider is only one example! Nature has taught men and women some great things. Great teachers throughout history have pointed their students to nature to learn about life. Jesus taught his followers using the birds as an example.
Voice 3

'Look at the birds of the air. They do not plant or gather crops. They do not put away crops in storerooms. But your father who is in heaven feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are? Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying?'

Voice 1

Nature is full of messages like this - and surprises like the spider. It can teach us many things - if we are willing to learn.
Voice 2

The writer and producer of today's programme was Marina Santee. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes, read our scripts and see our word book on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called, 'Spider's Web.'
Voice 1

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. You can reach us by email. Our address is radio at english dot net. Thank you for joining us in today's Spotlight programme. Goodbye

2014

Nile Perch
Voice 1

Hello. Im Elizabeth Lickiss.

Voice 2

And I'm Marina Santee. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

What are you wearing on your feet right now? Maybe you are wearing plastic summer shoes. Or maybe you are wearing soft shoes made of cloth. Are you wearing strong leather shoes made from animal skin? Footwear comes in many shapes and sizes. But one thing is sure. You are probably not wearing shoes made from fish. But one day you may. Brightly coloured fish skin shoes are becoming very popular in the African city of Kampala, Uganda.
Voice 2

A company called Crane owns the shoe factory. One of the workers in the factory is Innocent Rwabuky. Innocent makes the shoes a perfect fit. He places a piece of paper on the floor. The man buying the shoes stands on the paper. Innocent then makes the shape of the mans feet on

the paper. Innocent will use these feet shapes to make the shoes. He takes the man into another room - the tannery. Here the fish skins are hanging up. Innocent has coloured the skins red, green, yellow and blue. In fact Innocent will create any colour you want. It is hard to choose which colour is best. And, although the shoes are made of fish skin they do not smell. Innocent says,
Voice 3

Do not worry, you will not end up with fishy feet! The shoes are good to wear. And they will be ready within twenty-four hours.
Voice 1

Innocent uses Nile Perch fish to make the shoes. He takes them from the nearby Lake Victoria. The Nile Perch have not always been present in the lake. People released them into the water fifty years ago. It was part of an experiment. The experiment was to create a new industry for local people. But many people were concerned at the time. They believed that the Nile fish would eat other local fish. They have been proved right. Many smaller kinds of fish have disappeared. In the past, seventy percent of fish in Lake Victoria were Haplochromis - small boney fish. But over the past fifty [50] years that has decreased to one per cent. Nile Perch can grow up to two metres long. They can weigh two hundred kilograms [200kg]. They have competed with the other fish for survival - and they have won!
Voice 2

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation started the shoe factory. The factory now produces more than one thousand [1000] sets of shoes each month. But the people at the factory are not just making shoes. They have started to design other things. Now you can buy a fish belt to tie around your waist. Women can choose a handbag to carry their money and documents.
Voice 1

But it is not all good news. Karen Onyango lives in the town of Kisumu, Kenya. She too depends on the Nile Perch fish. She is a fish drier. Karen waits by a truck carrying fish. The truck driver is taking them to the fish factories in Kisumu. Karen is gathering remains of Nile Perch. These are the pieces of fish that the factories do not want. She will spend the whole day preparing the fish - cutting, drying and cooking. Then, at night, she will sell the pieces of fish by the roadside.
Voice 2

But today there are less and less fish for her to collect. Karen fears that the lake is being overfished. Big industries are fishing. They take huge numbers of fish from the waters. They export the good fish to other countries. The industry is worth one hundred and forty million [140,000,000] dollars each year. Karen is concerned. She fears that there will not be enough fish for local people. She says,

Voice 4

They are taking everything. Someone like me cannot even get one single fish.
Voice 1

Richard Abila has been studying the Nile Perch. He is an expert on Lake Victoria. He says that in the beginning Nile Perch fishing was like a gold mine. Suddenly the lake was producing large fish. People could sell the fish in large amounts. Everyone wanted a part of this business. Some people made a lot of money. So why are these people still not rich? Bernard Onyango is a local fisherman. He remembers those times. He says,
Voice 5

People got lots of money - but some of them did not plan well. That is why many people living near the lake are still poor. They spent the money. They did not think of the future.
Voice 1

It is a difficult situation. Once there was a lot of money in the area. People had a chance to live a good life. But now a lack of fish is causing problems. Some women are selling their bodies for sex. It is the only way they can survive. As a result diseases and viruses like HIV are becoming more common. The lake borders Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The lack of fish has now produced competition between the fishing communities. Uganda has tried to control the amount of fish taken from the lake. But other countries have been less willing to do so. Newspapers often report violence between the fishermen.
Voice 2

The get rich quick experience of many who live in the area has not brought happiness. They have found it hard to deal with having a lot of money. They have failed to plan for the future. They have not made wise decisions. The companies that continue to over-fish the lake are experiencing problems too. Soon they will take so many fish from the lake that it will not recover. Then everyone will suffer Karen, the shoe factory and all those in the fishing industry.
Voice 1

Richard Abila believes that releasing the Nile Perch into Lake Victoria was good. It did destroy other sorts of fish. But it has been good for the local population. It has provided work, money and industry. It has produced much wealth. But wealth also comes with responsibility. Richard is now working with governments and officials in the fish industry. Together they are working to keep Lake Victoria healthy. They are researching the needs of the local population. Richard is sure that with careful control it will be possible to produce a good result for everyone.

Voice 2

The writer and producer of todays programme was Elizabeth Lickiss. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom and the United States. You can find this programme on our website: www.radio.english.net. This programme is called Nile Perch.
Voice 1

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. You can reach us by email. Our address is radio @ english .net. Thank you for joining us in todays programme. Goodbye

2015

Dora Akunyuili
Voice 1

Hello. Im Marina Santee.

Voice 2

And Im Mike Procter. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

You know what you are up against when you have a disease without any cure. You do not have any expectations from drugs or medicines. But if you have a disease that can be cured or managed, you do have expectations. Many people take drugs every day. Drugs have an extremely important job to do. We are not talking about illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, or ecstasy. We mean medicines - the drugs that you take on doctors orders, because you are sick. People spend money buying these drugs, these medicines. They need them to get well. So, imagine how terrible it is if they discover their drugs are not real. Somebody has sold them false copies of the real drugs. The copies are called counterfeits or fakes. Usually, they simply do not work. But sometimes they are dangerous.
Voice 2

Doctor Dora NkemAkunyili is an expert in the drugs industry. She has seen the tragic results of fake drugs. Here is her story:

Voice 3

In 1986 my sister, Vivian, developed the condition diabetes. She began injecting insulin to control her blood sugar level. But then, she stopped reacting to the insulin. The doctors and family were unsure why this happened. (Her health continued to worsen. She developed more health problems.) Doctors gave her antibiotic drugs. But they did not cure her. She died in January 1988. We learned that she died from the use of fake insulin. We were all (terribly shocked and troubled). The pain of her loss will remain with me all my life. She was the best in our family.
Voice 1

This is a tragic story. And sadly, Akunyili says that it is one of many. Akunyili is now doing everything in her power to stop counterfeit and fake drugs.
Voice 2

In Akunyilis native country of Nigeria, local people call her Doctor Dora. She is the Director General of Nigerias National Agency for Drug and Food Administration - or NAFDAC. She took this job in 2001. And she was shocked at her findings. At that time there were no effective rules for food and drugs in Nigeria. This permitted all the false drugs to get on to the market. Akunyili and her team discovered that almost seventy percent of drugs in Nigerian markets were fake or counterfeit. These drugs contained little or nothing that could cure a person. Or some of the drugs had passed their use by date. Drug suppliers simply put new, wrong, dates on them. Nigerias hospitals contained fake equipment. Doctors were trying to re-start hearts, without knowing they were using false drugs! Counterfeit and fake drugs have led to tens of thousands of deaths in Nigeria.
Voice 1

So how did the situation get this bad? Well firstly in Nigeria it is extremely hard to be an honest worker in the drug supply industry. Dishonest importers simply pay money to get their products onto the market. People who try and resist such methods often suffer. They suffer from threats and physical attacks.
Voice 2

A lack of knowledge has also worsened the situation. Many people simply do not know they are using false drugs. This includes members of the public and health workers. Some counterfeit drugs appear very similar to the real drugs. It can be difficult even for the real drug producers to know the difference. Many people find out when it is too late. Another factor lies with the exporting countries. Many of them do not control drug exports closely. Laws against drug counterfeiters are weak. Criminals can make a lot of money without a lot of risk.

Voice 1

So who is responsible for these counterfeit drugs? Dishonest Nigerian drug suppliers work with people in different parts of the world - especially India and China. Akunyilisorganisation has banned thirty Indian and Chinese companies. These companies are no longer able to export their drugs into Nigeria.
Voice 2

Akunyili and her team have a hard job to do. Akunyili walked into a drug industry full of dishonesty. So she decided to change the organisations way of thinking. She said,
Voice 3

My first step was to change the way of thinking of the NAFDAC workers. It was a cultural revolution. We made plans to fight drug counterfeiting and other product faking. I made sure that our laws and methods could not be compromised.
Voice 2

NAFDAC has taken and destroyed counterfeit drugs worth sixteen million [16,000,000] dollars People all over the world recogniseAkunyilis efforts. In 2005 the Human Rights DefenceOrganisation gave Akunyili an award. It was the Grassroots Human Rights Campaigner Award. But Akunyilis work does have a high personal risk. She is on the front line of the counterfeit drugs war. And counterfeiters know her name. They are fighting back. They have burnt down NAFDACs offices. They have threatened to kill Akunyili and her children. They have even shot her in her car. Akunyili said,
Voice 3

My family lives in fear about their lives - especially about me. My youngest son was threatened in school. He feared for his life. So, he told people that I am only a relation - not his mother. My husband is a doctor. He also lives in fear. He has security around him twenty-four hours a day. As for me, I do not have a social life. Police and security surround me the whole time. I am very careful wherever I go. There are always criminals watching my moves. My husband deals with the (worry) through sport - he plays tennis. I deal with mine by praying continuously.
Voice 2

The problem of counterfeit drugs is not only in Nigeria. It is not only in developing countries. It is a problem in many parts of the world - including Britain and the United States. Akunyili says that international action is needed. She said,
Voice 3

(Removing) counterfeit drugs should be treated as an international health emergency.

Voice 1

Akunyili says that increasing public knowledge has produced big results in Nigeria. Many true drug companies fear losing business if news of fake drugs becomes public. But Akunyili urges nations to be more open and honest. Peoples lives are at risk. She points out that making the problems public will help the true drug companies in the end. People will be surer that the drugs they take are safe. This can only be good for the drug industry and for sick people. It is a fight that Dora Akunyili knows is worth it.
Voice 2

The writer and producer of todays programme was Marina Santee. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes, read our scripts and see our word list on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called, Dora Akunyuili. Thank you for joining us today. Goodbye

2016

Water Power
Voice 1

Hello. I'm Marina Santee

Voice 2

And I'm Elizabeth Lickiss. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live. The sound of running water. Have you ever watched a gentle river flow? It looks so calm and peaceful. It gently travels over rocks. Fishes swim up and down. You can bend down and put your hands in the water. It runs gently through your fingers. It is hard to imagine that this gentle river has a lot of power. But water can create a huge amount of force. And it is very useful to man. In fact, man has been using water power since ancient times.
Voice 1

In ancient Greece and Rome, the people used water wheels to grind their corn. They used water power instead of animal and human power. A water wheel uses energy from running water. The water pushes against the specially designed wheel. The water turns the wheel. The wheel can then operate machines linked to it.

Voice 2

In the eighteen hundreds, American and European factories used water wheels to power machines. In the late nineteenth century people used water power to create electricity! They did this using hydroelectric power plants!
Voice 1

The word hydro comes from the Greek word meaning water. A Hydroelectric plant is a system that uses energy from moving water to create electricity. A hydroelectric plant usually has three parts. There is a 'reservoir' - a man-made lake. This is where the water is stored. There is a dam. The dam has gates that open and close to control the water flow from the lake. And there is the electric plant. This is the machine where the electricity is produced.
Voice 2

These three parts work together to make electricity. The dam opens its gates. This permits water from the reservoir to flow through. The water flows through a large tube, called a penstock. At the bottom of the penstock is fast-moving water. This water turns the sharp blades of a water turbine. A water turbine is a water wheel that is closed in a shaped container. The pressure from the water against the turbine blades drives the generator, the machine that makes the electricity.
Voice 1

Hydro powered systems work by changing forms of energy. The water in the reservoir (the lake) has stored energy. Scientists call this 'potential' energy. It has potential energy just because it is high up, above the turbine. As gravity pulls the water down through the turbine, the energy becomes moving energy, called 'kinetic' energy. Then the generator changes the kinetic energy into 'electrical energy.'
Voice 2

So how much electricity can hydroelectric plants produce? This depends on different things. The amount of water flow is important. And the amount of hydraulic head is important. The hydraulic head is the distance below the reservoir water surface, down to the turbines. It usually depends on the amount of water in the reservoir. As the hydraulic head and water flow increase, so does the electricity created.
Voice 1

Hydroelectric plants come in different sizes. The smallest ones are called 'micro-hydros.' A micro sized plant usually provides electricity for one or two houses. But some can produce up to one hundred kilowatts of electric power. 'Mini' hydro plants produce up to one thousand kilowatts. They usually provide for a community. Small hydro plants provide for a whole area. And large hydro plants can provide for whole cities. They produce over thirty thousand kilowatts

of power. The world energy council stated that hydropower provides for nineteen percent of the world's electricity supply. And it could be much more.
Voice 2

There are large gains from using hydropower. Firstly, there is the cost. Hydropower is the most cost effective method to create electricity using natural, or renewable energy. Once the dam and equipment are in place, it does not cost anything. Also, it does not cost a lot to keep hydroelectric plants working. One study showed the cost was less than one cent per kilowatt-hour. Coal plants cost about four cents per kilowatt-hour to produce electricity.
Voice 1

Secondly, power plants powered by fossil fuels release harmful gases. Hydroelectric power plants do not do this. Once they are built, they do not harm the environment.
Voice 2

However, the building of the dams does harm the environment. River valleys are usually important 'ecosystems.' A dam can ruin this balance of nature in the valley. For example, power stations often release water from the bottom of the dam. This is cold water. It may not be the right temperature for particular creatures in the area. River valleys are often fertile and densely populated. Damming a river can prevent fish from travelling up the river to have their young. Different forms of life depend on natural changes to the river - high flows and floods. A hydroelectric power station changes all this. Dams can change the chemical, physical and biological nature of the river and land.
Voice 1

So what is the future for hydroelectric power? In the past, the World Bank has spent billions of dollars on hydroelectric systems, or plants. Developing nations used foreign aid to build them. It is true that the plants do not cost much to manage. But they do cost a lot to build. There are a lot of good places for hydroelectric plants in Africa and Asia. But building the plants would cost billions of dollars. There is also opposition from the natives and environmentalists. And there is the extra knowledge we now have - about the harmful effects to the environment. These reasons will restrict the amount of money spent on hydroelectric plants.
Voice 2

Even with these problems, many people think that renewable energy methods are the way forward. They are looking for ways to solve existing problems. And they say that fossil fuel energy causes far greater problems. Fossil fuels, like oil, will not last forever. But natural, renewable, forms of energy will always be here - as long as the sun continues to shine. Because it is the sun that is responsible for natural forms of energy - including hydroelelectric power.

Voice 1

Hydroelectric power depends on the sun. It is the sun's heat that causes water to evaporate. Then this water becomes rain or snow. It then fills the reservoirs that hydropower stations use. So the sun is indirectly the provider for hydropower. But we can also use the sun's energy directly. It is a strong and powerful renewable form of energy. We call it 'solar energy.' Solar energy can heat and light buildings. It can create electricity. It can heat water. And it can cool water! We will look at exactly how solar energy can work in another Spotlight programme.
Voice 2

The writer and producer of today's programme was Marina Santee. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes, read our scripts and see our wordbook on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called 'Water Power.'
Voice 1

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. You can reach us by email. Our address is radio @ english .net. Thank you for joining us in today's Spotlight programme. Goodbye.

2017

Religious Tolerance

Voice 1

Hello. Welcome to Spotlight. I'm Elizabeth Lickiss.

Voice 2

And I'm Marina Santee. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

It is early in the morning. The streets of Nabatiyeh, South Lebanon are busy. People hurry to work. Parents take their children to school. Inside the school, teachers are busy preparing test papers. Children get ready for the day's work. There is nothing unusual about this picture. But there is something unusual about this school.

Voice 2

The school is the National Evangelical School. The governors are Christians. Christian workers started the school over seventy-five [75] years ago. But most of the children at the school are Shia Muslims. However this does not threaten the teachers or the children. The Christian governors have no plans to change the children's Muslim religion. And this has been the case since the school opened. The head teacher is MuntherAntoun. He said,
Voice 3

'No Muslim has become a Christian in seventy-five years.'

Voice 1

So how does the school policy work? Unlike other schools, the Christian school does not begin with a religious meeting. Instead, the children receive a twenty-minute talk. It usually includes some moral teaching.
Voice 2

At the school, the teachers try to centre on the similarities between Islam and Christianity. This is not always easy. Antoun said,
Voice 3

'There are lots of things in common. But there are things that are opposite too and this is a problem.'
Voice 1

But they are willing to seek ways to rise above these issues. The teachers and the students know how important it is for Muslims and Christians to try and accept each other. They know about the past suffering of their country. The past has taught them to try to accept, or tolerate, each other. One student from the school said,
Voice 4

'We learned from the civil war that we must tolerate as much as we can. This country is built on both Christians and Muslims.'
Voice 2

A Muslim boy at the school said,

Voice 5

'We are all human beings. We all have the same thoughts. We do not have problems having Christian friends.'
Voice 2

In a country surrounded by religious conflict these opinions are valuable. If children can learn to accept each other then the future is more hopeful. It is an example of 'religious tolerance' at work.
Voice 1

Across the world, some organisations are working to create 'religious tolerance.' Religious tolerance does not mean that people change their religion. It means that people accept other people's right to believe what they choose. This may mean working and living alongside people with different faiths. Religious tolerance is the only way that people of different religions can live together peacefully. Most people agree that the first step towards this is communication.
Voice 2

'Initiatives of Change' is a working alliance of people. The group works to bring people of different faiths together. It works in sixty [60] countries across the world. Some countries also have their own independent organisations. One of these is based in Sydney, Australia.
Voice 1

In the year 2004, the Sydney based group helped organise special events. The events provided places for Muslims and Christians to communicate. The group worked with a Christian leader, Bishop Kevin Manning. And they worked with KeysarTrad, the director of the Lebanese Muslim Association. The 'talk events' were in different parts of Sydney. Each event had a similar structure. They were based on the idea of 'Muslims and Christians sharing common values.' Politician, Peter Macdonald opened one of the meetings. He said it was a time to 'build bridges not walls.' AbdallaEisa is one of the organisers. He said,
Voice 3

'A few extremists tried to take over. But the majority of people really want to talk to each other ... Islam opposes any form of indiscriminate violence ... Extremists exist in every nation and in the followers of every religion. Usually it is connected to non-religious factors.'
Voice 2

Bishop Kevin Manning told the people at one event,

Voice 5

'The fact that we are gathered here at all may be the result of terrorism, but it is also a defeat for terrorism. Your being here today moves our communities towards opening minds, doors and hearts.'
Voice 1

He continued to say how important friendship is. 'You can never know a person unless you speak to them', he said. The meeting gave people a chance to gain a better understanding of each other. Barbara Lawler works for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ABC. She told the meeting that she believed that Christianity and Islam share the same deep moral values, called 'absolute' moral values. She had discovered them in her Christian faith, and could see them in Islamic teaching too. She said,
Voice 6

'The Qu'ran says that God will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in their hearts.'
Voice 2

Then she spoke about her own, Christian, experience.

Voice 6

'I looked at my life in the light of absolute moral values - of honesty, purity, unselfishness and love. And I gained a newer, deeper understanding of what it means to live my Christian faith. After September eleventh 2001, I was out walking. I saw a woman in her hijab, her head-cloth. I felt anger rising. I asked God to help me with these wrong feelings. I want to apologise to all my Muslim brothers and sisters for these feelings.'
Voice 1

Ms. Lawler says that since then, she has taken every chance to build bridges of trust and understanding with Muslims she knows. For her, they are her Islamic family and God's family. Other people often look at religious conflicts and ask, where do we start? Barbara Lawler says,
Voice 6

'Change starts with me.'

Voice 2

This is not easy. Many people have known great suffering because of religious conflicts. Many innocent people have died. The desire to react against 'the other side' is always strong. But history shows that peace cannot come this way. Religious tolerance is almost impossible if we think of past hurts. But our ideas can change when we look at the future. If we think of the world that our children will live in, we all want it to be a peaceful place. And when we think of this, we start to see Barbara Lawler's point - change starts with the individual.
Voice 1

'Initiatives of Change' bases its work on this idea. The group suggests some 'tools' to help people bring about such changes. These include,
Voice 2

'A daily time of silence. In this time, listen to your conscience or inner voice. People of faith should search for God's leading - for direction and correction.'
Voice 1

'Seek to live a life based on absolute moral values such as honesty, purity, unselfishness and love. Where it is possible correct past wrongs.'
Voice 2

'Have open and honest communication with people who are different from you.'
Voice 1

In a world torn by conflicts changing the individual may seem like a very small step. After all what can one individual really do? But then we remember that the world is made up of individuals. 'Initiatives of Change' believes that individuals working together can bring justice and healing to a suffering world. The writer and producer of today's programme was Marina Santee. Computer users can find our programmes on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called, 'Religious Tolerance.'

2021

Speed Skater Joey Cheek

Voice 1

Thank you for listening to Spotlight, Im Liz Waid

Voice 2

And Im Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

What would you do?

Voice 2

What would you do if you won an Olympic gold medal? How would you celebrate? What would you do with your new popularity? What would you do with the money you won?
Voice 1

Joey Cheek is an Olympic athlete, or sports player. In the 2006 Winter Olympics, Joey won a gold and a silver medal for the United States in Speed Skating. Speed Skating is a sport where people race on an ice track. They wear sharp metal blades on the bottoms of their shoes. The United States Olympic group gave Joey forty thousand dollards [$40,000] for winning those medals. Joey could have kept that money for himself. He could have used it to buy more equipment for his sport. He could have spent it on cars or houses or anything! But he decided to do something different. He decided to use his Olympic medals to make a difference in the world. He gave that money to a group called Right to Play. Todays Spotlight is on Joey and the group he works with, Right to Play.
Voice 2

We will talk more about what the group Right to Play is doing with Joeys money later in the program. But first, lets learn a little bit more about Olympic speed skater, Joey Cheek.
Voice 1

Joey began speed skating in 1995. He won a bronze medal at the Olympics in 2002. He was twenty-six [26] years old at the 2006 Olympics when he won the gold and silver medals. After those Olympics, Joey decided to retire from speed skating. He says that he has spent most of his life exercising his body. Now he wants to exercise his mind. Joey will attend college in the United States. He wants to earn a degree in Economics, the study of money and society.
Voice 2

Joey enjoyed his time as a U.S. Olympic athlete. But he says that American Olympic athletes are both blessed and self-serving, or selfish. American athletes are blessed by the resources they have in the United States. The United States values athletes. It gives them the money and support they need to compete. But Joey also says that athletes are selfish. They must think a lot about themselves. This is because they spend so much time trying to become the best at what they do.

They always work to make their bodies stronger and faster. Athletes often do not have time to think about other people. They give all of their effort to become better at their sport.
Voice 1

But, Joey wanted to take a break from being a selfish athlete. He was ready to stop using all his time to make himself better. He wanted to use his time and resources to make the world better. And this is why Joey decided to give his Olympic medal money to the group called Right to Play.
Voice 2

Right to Play is a group that helps children in poor or war-torn countries develop and grow through sports. Right to Play believes that playing sports helps children develop into healthier adults. Sports help children form healthy relationships with other children. Competing in sports makes children feel more powerful. Sports teach children important life skills like learning to accept defeat. And sports are fun! All children, no matter where they live, deserve to have fun!
Voice 1

So how is Right to Play helping children to develop and grow through sports? How are they using the money they receive from people like Joey? Well, Right to Play is working in refugee camps in Africa. They use sports to teach children important life skills like working together, communication, fair play, and self worth.
Voice 2

In the Middle East, Right to Play uses sports to build bridges and encourage peaceful relationships between Israeli and Palestinian communities.
Voice 1

And Right to Play employs famous athletes to educate people in Africa and around the world about AIDS and how to prevent it.
Voice 2

Right to Play has a symbol that represents their work. This symbol is a red ball. Children use the red ball when they play sports. Right to Play uses the red ball as a teaching tool. And they give the red ball as a gift to every school, community and refugee camp they go to. There is a message written on the ball in different languages. The message says, Look After Yourself. Look After One Another. This is Right to Plays message for the children of the world. They believe that sports teach children this important message. And they hope that the red ball will always help children to remember to look after, or take care of, themselves and other people.

Voice 1

Joey Cheek is one of many athletes who support the work that Right to Play does in the world. Many people ask Joey why he gives money to a group that encourages sports. Why not give money towards food and shelter instead? Joey believes that food and shelter are important. But he also believes that children need more than that. Children need to play with each other to develop their minds and hearts. They need the important skills that sports can teach them.
Voice 2

Famous athletes like Joey often receive money from large companies. These companies want Joey to use his popularity to sell their products. When Joey decided to give his Olympic money to Right to Play, he encouraged the companies who support him to do the same thing. And they did! By March of 2006, Joey had collected over three hundred thousand dollars [$300,000] for Right to Play.
Voice 1

Joey explains why his work with Right to Play is so important to him. He says,
Voice 2

Every morning, I would ask myself the same question. How can I use all my energy to be the best speed skater in the world? I have spent years doing this. And other people have spent years supporting me so that I could become the best in the world. Now I feel that it is important for me to give something back. It is important for me to give something to people who do not have the same resources and support that I did.
Voice 1

This program was written by Sara DeKoster and produced by Joshua Leo. The voices you heard were from the United States. Computer users can hear these programs, read our scripts, and see our word list on our website at www.radio.english.net. This program is called Speed Skater Joey Cheek. We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. Do you know of an athlete doing good work? Write to us! Our email address is radio @ english .net. We hope you will join us again next time for Spotlight. Good-bye!

2023

Lymphatic Filariasis, a worm disease

Voice 1

Thank you for joining us today for Spotlight. Im Rebekah Schipper

Voice 2

And I'm Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

Antoinette St. Fab sells rice and oil in a market in Haiti. She is thirty [30] years old. She works very hard in the busy market. But Antoinette has a problem. Her legs are swollen. Fluid fills them. They are very large. Her left leg is almost thirty [30] centimetres thick. She has trouble finding shoes to fit her feet. And she has to cut her clothing to fit over her legs. This helps her to walk more easily. Antoinette has Lymphatic Filariasis. Antoinette says:
Voice 3

In the past, I used to carry (food) like spaghetti and canned milk on my head and walk around selling them. But I can not do that any more.
Voice 2

Antoinette used to experience fevers and infections in her legs. She has prevented this by washing her legs often She also puts medicine on them. But her legs often still hurt. And they continue to make her life difficult. When Antoinettes husband learned that her legs would not become smaller, he left her. She worries that her new boyfriend will also leave her. The other women at the market insult her.
Voice 3

I stepped on someones foot by accident, and she said. Hey yam leg, do not put your fat foot on me. I told her: Oh, be quiet. God gave me this leg. Do you think that if I went to the store to buy a leg, this is the one I would choose?
Voice 1

Antoinette asked doctors to cut off her leg. But the doctors would not do it. They said that having a large leg is better than having no leg. They said that if they cut off her leg, other parts of her body could become large and swollen.

Voice 2

This is a common problem among people in very poor countries. Mosquitos, insects that drink blood, spread the disease. The mosquitos carry young worms, a long, thin organism, in their bodies. These long thin organisms enter a persons body when the mosquito bites him. One worm in a persons body does not do damage. But when many worms enter a persons body, then problems begin.
Voice 1

Male and female worms mate inside a persons body. The female worm releases many larvae, or baby worms, into a persons lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It helps a person to fight sickness. The lymphatic system is made up of two main parts: the vessels and nodes. The vessels are tubes that spread through a persons body. The nodes are like little balls connected to the vessels. When the baby worms enter the lymphatic system, it becomes infected. The worms cause these areas to fill up with fluid. The name Lymphatic Filariasis comes from these two parts. Lymphatic means the lymphatic system. Filariasis comes from the word filaria. This is the scientific word for worms.
Voice 2

Over one hundred twenty million [120,000,000] people in eighty [80] countries suffer from Lymphatic Filariasis. The disease affects people in different ways. Some peoples legs grow large like Antoinettes leg. But more often, the disease affects mens sexual organs. Many people are not comfortable talking about how the disease affects men. Some men lie about their problem. They do not want to admit that they have a disease.
Voice 1

Many men with Lymphatic Filariasis have enlarged scrotums. Sometimes a scrotum, a part of the male sexual organ, grows past a mans knees. This swelling is called a hydrocele. It can be very painful. It can make walking difficult. But many men feel shame when they have this problem. They do not talk about it. They do not seek help from a doctor. If a man does not accept that he has a disease, he will never get help.
Voice 2

Doctors can operate on men to make the hydrocele smaller. But swollen legs cannot be made smaller. Filariasis can not be cured. The worms are too strong. They live too deep in the body. Doctors cannot remove them with surgery. Medicine today is aimed at killing the baby worms in a persons body. The medicine prevents more worms from growing.
Voice 1

But the medicine does not fix the problem fast. The medicine cannot kill the adult worms living in a persons body. A person with filariasis must wait for the adult worm inside her to die. This

may last six years! And making sure that everyone in a community takes their medicine can be difficult. Medicine also costs a lot of money. Most people in these poor villages cannot buy it.
Voice 2

One way that people receive medicine is by using salt. The World Health Organization has given money to start a salt program in Haiti. Fifty [50] people in Haiti buy local sea salt. They remove rocks and wood from the salt. Then they wash it. After that, they put liquid medicine on it. They put the salt into containers. They sell it to local people. It costs twenty-six [26] cents to make one container of salt. But the people must sell the salt for ten [10] cents to compete with normal salt prices. Local people use this salt in their homes. But they also receive the medicine. This will prevent Filariasis from spreading in Haiti.
Voice 1

The salt treatment has worked in other countries around the world. China began to use the salt method in the nineteen seventies [1970's]. China stopped the disease by ordering people in villages to use this kind of salt. China stopped Filariasis because the Chinese government supported the fight against the disease.
Voice 2

The World Health Organization has made a goal to stop this disease by the year 2020. It will give medicine to the people in the villages. The World Health Organization teams want to prevent people from becoming infected by the worms. But they will also teach people who already have the disease. The teams will teach them ways to fight infection and reduce swelling. This treatment is already helping many people like Antoinette. The World Health Organization hopes that soon LyphaticFilariasis will no longer exist.
Voice 1

The writer and producer of this program was Joshua Leo. The voices you heard were from the United States. Computer users her these programs, read our scripts, and see our word list on our website at www.radio.english.net. This program is called Lymphatic Filariasis, a Worm Disease.
Voice 2

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. If you have a comment or question, you can e-mail us. Our e-mail address is radio @ english .net. We hope you can join us again for the next Spotlight program. Goodbye!

2025

GiannaJessen
Voice 1

Hello. Im Mike Procter.

Voice 2

And I'm Elizabeth Lickiss. Welcome to Spotlight. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

GiannaJessen ran towards the finish line. She was struggling. Every part of her body hurt. But she was not going to give up. Her friend ran alongside her. He encouraged her to keep going. They had been running for over eight [8] hours. At last they both reached the end. They ran past the finish line. Gianna had completed the race.
Voice 2

Gianna was running in the London marathon. The marathon is a long race - forty-two point one nine five [42.195] kilometres. When Gianna reached the finish line many people cheered. But Gianna was not the winner of the race. Hundreds of people had finished before her. So why was Gianna so special?
Voice 1

Gianna suffers from the condition called cerebral palsy. She finds it hard to control her body movements. This is because parts of Giannas brain are damaged. She was starved of oxygen when she was born. When she was young doctors said that she would not be able to sit, stand or walk. No one expected Gianna to be able to run a marathon. But Gianna had her own very special reason for running the marathon. She says,
Voice 3

I have learned that weakness can be beautiful. People are often afraid to be weak. Yet a person can have joy in the middle of struggle. I hope that people will see you do not have to be weighed down by problems. God can help. He has helped me in so many ways. He will help me through the marathon. I will run for him and I will never give up.

Voice 2

People gave money to encourage Gianna. They promised money for every kilometre she completed. Gianna has raised a lot of money. She has given the money to the Stars Organisation Supporting Cerebral Palsy or S.O.S. Reporters told about Giannas race in newspapers and on television. It is a good news story. But Gianna has an even more powerful story to share. It is a story of forgiveness.
Voice 1

Giannas condition is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can happen for very many different reasons. Some people develop cerebral palsy after an accident. They stop breathing for a few minutes. The lack of oxygen to the brain causes damage. But an accident did not cause Giannas problem.
Voice 2

Giannas mother - Tina - was a very young girl. She was only seventeen [17] years old when she became pregnant. She could not manage a baby. The father of her baby was also young. He could not support her. So Tina decided to abort - kill her unborn child. But Tina was over seven months pregnant. It would be hard to carry out the abortion. Tina visited experts who could help her. They gave Tina chemicals to kill her baby. They told Tina that she would give birth to a dead baby. After seventeen hours of labour - Gianna was born. But she was not dead. She was very much alive.
Voice 1

The woman on duty was shocked. This had never happened before. She called for an ambulance. The ambulance arrived quickly. It took baby Gianna to hospital. Gianna was very small and weak. The chemicals had damaged her. She had cerebral palsy. She was fighting for life. The doctors started treating her. But they were not sure if Gianna would survive.
Voice 2

But Gianna did survive. She spent several months in hospital. Her natural mother never came to see her. So a number of different people cared for Gianna. At the age of four she was adopted. Another woman became Giannas legal mother. Her name is Diana. Diana helped Gianna to deal with her cerebral palsy. And Gianna made good progress. In time she was sitting, standing and walking. She did well at school. Her new family loved and cared for her. They took her to church. They told her about the love of God.
Voice 1

But Gianna still had questions. She wanted to know more about Tina. Why had she given Gianna away? Diana gently explained. She told Gianna the truth. She told Gianna that she had survived abortion. She told her that her physical problems were caused when she was born.

Voice 2

Giana was shocked. It was difficult to understand. Her natural mother had tried to abort her. Gianna also knew that her cerebral palsy was caused when she was born. She asked Diana about healing. Would God heal her? Gianna remembers her mothers words. She says,
Voice 3

My mother (Diana) explained that it may not be Gods will for me to be healed. But she also told me that she believed God would use my weakness in a very special way.
Voice 2

Gianna remembers the first time she told people her story. It was at a local church. She prayed that God would give her the right words to say. She told people about her birth. She told them about her cerebral palsy. Then she talked about forgiveness. She said,
Voice 3

I forgive my natural mother totally. I may have cerebral palsy - but that is okay because I have God. It is not always easy. But he is always there. And he can be there for you too.
Voice 2

Today Gianna often tells her story. She hopes that it brings healing and hope to other people. After one church meeting a woman came to Gianna. She was crying. She told Gianna that she had aborted her baby. She had never told anyone about this before. She felt bad. Gianna was able to tell her about Gods love and forgiveness.
Voice 1

Gianna believes in a God that loves and forgives. The Bible tells of wrong doing as a barrier that separates people from God. The Bible says that God showed his wonderful love when he sent Jesus Christ into the world. Jesus was executed on a cross. The Bible says that when Jesus died, he took the blame for peoples wrongdoing. Now people can receive Gods forgiveness. All they have to do is to ask and accept his love.
Voice 2

Gianna knows that the love of Jesus Christ changes lives. He has changed hers. She talks about her celebral palsy as a gift. It is not something she would have wished for. But Gianna believes that God is using her weakness to bring his message of love to everyone. Gianna believes that Gods love can fill people's lives with meaning and value. She feels honoured that God should use her in this way. If she had to run a hundred marathons to bring Gods message of hope Gianna would do it!

Voice 1

The writer of todays programme was Elizabeth Lickiss. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. Computer users can hear our programmes on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called GiannaJessen.

2026

Solar Power
Voice 1

Hello! I'm Elizabeth Lickiss.

Voice 2

And I'm Marina Santee. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

Lift your eyes up towards a clear night sky. Billions of stars light up the dark night. Each of these stars is a sun like our own. Our sun, together with the planets and their moons, makes up our solar system. Solar comes from the Latin word 'sol', meaning sun.
Voice 2

The outer part of the sun has a temperature of about five thousand five hundred [5500] degrees Celsius. However, the temperature in the centre of the sun is far greater. It is about fifteen million [15,000,000] degrees Celsius. The temperature and pressure are so strong that nuclear reactions happen. And these reactions create the sun's energy. It is this energy that keeps us alive. We can also use this energy to create electricity, or to heat our homes. But how do we collect solar energy?
Voice 1

It is possible to change solar energy directly into electricity. You have probably seen solar powered devices. They seem to work forever as long as there is light. This is possible with the use of solar cells - or 'PV cells'. PV means 'photovoltaic'. The 'photo' part of a word means light, the 'voltaic' part suggests electricity. PV cells are usually made of materials called semiconductors. The most commonly used semi-conductor is silicon. PV cells use silicon treated with other elements to make it sense light. When light strikes the cell, the silicon takes in some of its energy. The light energy makes some electrons come away from their atoms. These electrons flow through the silicon. They produce an electric current. There are metal contacts on the top and bottom of the cell. These bring the electric current out, making the electricity usable.

Voice 2

People have built cars that use this method. A solar powered car has PV cells all over its top surface. The cells collect the sunlight. They change it into electricity, which powers the car. Their average speed is just below sixty-five [65] kilometres an hour. Experts are still developing these cars. They hope that one day the public will be able to drive solar powered cars.
Voice 1

The sun can also be used to heat buildings or to provide hot water. One method uses solar panels. The solar panel is a flat box with a glass top. Inside the panel there are pipes. The pipes contain water or some other fluid. The panel is black, so as to hold the heat from the sun. Solar panels need to point toward the sun to get the most power. They can be fitted to the top of buildings. The water or fluid gets hot. Then it goes into a heat storage container, such as a hot water tank. This can provide hot water or heating for the building. The panels work in the daylight, even without direct sunshine. Heating a house in this way is called an 'active solar system.' It is effective, but costs a lot of money.
Voice 2

The opposite of 'active' is 'passive'. In a passive solar house, the whole house is designed to receive the sun's heat and energy. The design makes the most of nature! It makes the most of the movement of heat and air. There are no controls. It does not depend on man-made devices for power. Everything in a passive solar house is designed to collect, store and give out solar energy. Sunlight enters the house through its windows. The light then strikes the floors and walls. These collect the energy and store the solar heat. The surfaces of the walls and floor are usually dark. Dark colours collect more heat than light colours. The sun warms the house in the day. At night the materials give the heat back out. So the temperature at night drops only about half a degrees Celsius. A passive house does not need to cost a lot of money. You can use the same materials as a normal house. David Morris is building his own passive solar house in Cyprus. He said,
David Morris

'A passive solar house uses the same material as any ordinary house - bricks, stone, cement. But it organises the material in a better way so that the sun can come in in the winter. And it is kept out in the summer.'
Voice 1

In the northern part of the world, the sun is low in the sky in the winter. And it shines through south-facing windows. The sunlight shines many metres back into the room. It can warm the floors and walls of the room. But in the summer time, the sun hardly goes into the room at all. This is because the sun is so high in the sky. The walls and roof of the house are designed to keep out sunlight shining from high up. This is the simple rule that passive solar houses, like David's, are based on.

Voice 2

David's house stands on the top of a mountain in Cyprus. From a distance it looks similar to other houses. But when you get a little closer you can see it is different. Almost the whole of the front of the house is glass! And the front of the house faces south. The roof at the top of the house is a special shape. Inside the house, different materials lie on top of each other to make up the walls and floors. These are designed to keep in the warmth. David's house is new. It is easier to build new passive houses. Then you can choose the surroundings. A passive system only works if the sun can reach the house. So houses with tall buildings in front of them would not work. It may be possible to change an existing house into a passive solar house, if it is in the right place.
Voice 1

David Morris knew the theory of passive solar houses before he started to build his house. He knew that passive solar powered houses could work. He saw many houses that were too hot in the summer and too cool in the winter. He wanted to prove that a passive solar house could work. He hopes that other people will see the success of his house. He said,
David Morris

'I hope the house will be a model house where people can visit and feel how warm it is in the winter or how cool it is in the summer - and see that they also could have a house like this.'
Voice 2

David believes that passive solar powered houses are a good use of natural energy. They can save money - and the environment. He said,
David Morris

'I like using the energy from the sun to heat my house. And I like using a good design to keep it cool. This is energy that does not pollute the earth. It is natural energy that God has given us.'
Voice 1

The writer and producer of today's programme was Marina Santee. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom and the United States. Computer users can find our programmes on our website at www.radio.english.net. This programme is called, 'Solar Power.'
Voice 2

We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. You can reach us by email. Our address is radio @ english .net. Thank you for joining us in today's Spotlight programme. Goodbye.

2027

The Nansen Award

Voice 1

Thank you for joining us for today's Spotlight program. I'm Liz Waid.
Voice 2

And I'm Rebekah Schipper. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1

The United Nations estimated that there were seventeen million [17,000,000] refugees in the world in 2004. It is a big job to help all of the many refugees around the world. But there are many brave people who spend their lives helping refugees. The United Nations recognizes some of these people with the Nansen Refugee Award. Today's Spotlight is on the Nansen Award and some of the people who have won it.
Voice 2

The world gained a great man in 1861. On that day Fridtjof Nansen was born in Norway. As Nansen grew up, he developed a love for science. He would have loved to spend the main part of his life studying and researching scientific methods. But Nansen also saw the great needs of other people. He could not forget the great need he saw all around him. Nansen had a way of getting past the small details of a problem. He was good at finding answers to large problems. And, he made a big difference in the lives of many people.
Voice 1

Many of the people that Nansen helped in his lifetime were displaced people, or refugees. He helped refugees in Norway, Germany, Russia, Greece, and Ukraine. He helped thousands of people in his lifetime. Nansen became the world's first international official for refugees.
Voice 2

The world lost a great man the day that Nansen died in 1930. After he died the United Nations created the Nansen Award. The person who wins the award wins a medal and one hundred thousand [100,000] dollars to help their work with refugees.
Voice 1

The world needed Nansen then. And the world needs people like Nansen now - people who are willing to look past their own dreams and see the needs of others. The United Nations

honourspeople like this with the Nansen Award. Here are the stories of a few Nansen Award winners. Their lives can be an example for anyone. Maybe we could all be Nansen Award winners!
Voice 2

In 2001, the UN gave the Nansen Award to the Norwegian crew of the ship named 'Tampa.' In August the ship was travelling in the Indian Ocean. The crew heard that there were four hundred thirty-eight [438] refugees lost at sea. The refugees were far from land and needed help.
Voice 1

The crew of the Tampa changed the ship's direction. They risked long delays in their plans. They risked losing a large amount of money for their business. They did not even know if their ship could support four hundred extra people! But, they put their own plans on hold. And, the crew saved the four hundred and thirty-eight people. A shipping company owns the Tampa. Since 1977, this company's ships have saved more than one thousand three hundred [1300] people at sea.
Voice 2

In 2005, the UN gave the Nansen Award to Marguerite Barnkitse from the African country of Burundi. She has spent the last twelve [12] years caring for over ten thousand [10,000] refugee children.
Voice 1

There has been much conflict in Burundi. The war there left many children without parents. Marguerite said:
Voice 3

"At the beginning there were twenty-five [25] children whose parents had been killed. Then after one year there were one hundred [100], then five hundred [500]. Now it is more than ten thousand [10,000]. So I began to look for land, and I thought, 'I should use my parents' land'."
Voice 2

Marguerite built a home on her parents' land. And she offers that home as a safe place for refugee women and children. Here they can begin to rebuild their lives. Marguerite calls this home 'Maison Shalom,' or 'house of peace.' Here, the children learn many things. They learn how to manage a house. They learn how to raise animals. They learn about how to stay healthy. They also learn skills to earn money. The UN said this of Marguerite

Voice 4

"We recognize her for her tireless work with separated children. Their lives have been ruined by war and the AIDS disease."
Voice 1

In 2003 the UN gave the Nansen Award to an Italian worker named AnnalenaTonelli. Annalena was a devoted worker in the country of Somalia. Somalia had known war. But, much of the world had forgotten about this country. There are many countries with needs. And often Somalia was overlooked.
Voice 2

But Annalena acted selflessly. She helped many Somali communities. And she helped the lives of many refugees in that country. She was happy to receive the award.
Voice 1

Annalena liked to speak about her experiences in Somalia. She hoped that her experiences would help open the eyes of the people of the world. She wanted the world to see the needs of others. Annalena said,
Voice 5

"I have been in the middle of war and conflicts. I have lived through times with no food. I have seen human rights violated. I have seen genocide, the killing of a whole race of people. I felt that I would never smile again in my life if I survived all of those horrible things. But I keep going because of the needs of the Somali people. I have trust in humanity. I have hope that good men and women from all corners of the world would decide to fight. I have hope that they will fight for the people who were mysteriously not given the chance to live a life worthy to be called life."
Voice 2

Just months after she received the Nansen award, Annalena was murdered in Somalia. Somebody shot her with a gun. The people of Somalia were shocked. They did not know who shot Annalena, or why. For refugees and sick people in Somalia she had been a friend. And these are the people who need friends. They need support. And they need a safe shelter.
Voice 1

Annalena recognized that there are many people in the world who can offer help to refugees. It was her hope that men and women from every nation would begin to see the needs in their own

communities. The hope lives on. It is hope that all people could live a life that can actually be called life.
Voice 2

Spotlight's hope is similar to Annalena's hope. Spotlight hopes that all people could be Nansen Award winners. It is true that all people cannot receive the award. But the prize is not always the award. Sometimes, the prize is the joy we can bring to other people. Sometimes it is enough to see someone else get the prize of a better life!
Voice 1

The writer and producer of today's program was Rebekah Schipper. Computer users can hear these programs, read our scripts, and see our word list on our website at www.radio.english.net. This program is called 'The Nansen Award'. Do you know someone who you think should win the Nansen Award? Please email us your story. Our email address is radio @ english .net. We hope you can join us again for the next Spotlight program. Goodbye!

2027

The Nansen Award